Close X
Saturday, November 30, 2024
ADVT 
Life

Busted: 20 Most Common Myths Around Sleep

Darpan News Desk IANS, 16 Apr, 2019 06:45 PM
  • Busted: 20 Most Common Myths Around Sleep

Common myths around sleep like snoring is harmless or having a drink helps fall asleep not only shape poor habits but may also pose a significant public health threat, say researchers.


The claim by some people that they can get by on five hours of sleep was among the top myths researchers were able to dispel based on scientific evidence.


This myth also poses the most serious risk to health from long-term sleep deficits, said the study published online in Sleep Health journal on Tuesday.


"Sleep is a vital part of life that affects our productivity, mood, and general health and well-being," said study lead investigator Rebecca Robbins at New York University Langone Health.


"Dispelling myths about sleep promotes healthier sleep habits which, in turn, promote overall better health," she added.


To reach this conclusion, researchers reviewed more than 8,000 websites to identify the 20 most common assumptions about sleep.


With a team of sleep medicine experts, they ranked them based on whether each could be dispelled as a myth or supported by scientific evidence, and on the harm that the myth could cause.


Another common myth relates to snoring.


While snoring can be harmless, it can also be a sign of sleep apnea, a potentially serious sleep disorder.


The authors encourage patients not to dismiss loud snoring, but rather to see a doctor since this sleep behaviour may lead to heart stoppages or other illnesses.


The study authors also found sufficient evidence that, despite beliefs to the contrary, drinking alcoholic beverages before bed is indeed unhealthy for sleep.


"Sleep is important to health, and there needs to be greater effort to inform the public regarding this important public health issue," noted study senior investigator Girardin Jean Louis.


Robbins and her colleagues suggest creating a consistent sleep schedule and spending more time, at least seven hours, asleep.

MORE Life ARTICLES

Be ready to be hypnotized by KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities

Be ready to be hypnotized by KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities
Hats off to Michel Laprise for giving Vancouverites a sneak peek into his fascinating mind and putting together such a successful show.

Be ready to be hypnotized by KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities

Pollution More Deadly Than Smoking, AIDS And War, New Report Says

The Lancet medical journal study suggests at least nine million people died around the globe in 2015 because of pollution.

Pollution More Deadly Than Smoking, AIDS And War, New Report Says

Welcome Light in Your Homes & Hearts

Welcome Light in Your Homes & Hearts
Diwali teaches us to take a step towards ourselves and initiate self-love and positivity.

Welcome Light in Your Homes & Hearts

Diwali For the First-Timers

Diwali For the First-Timers
Many South Asians celebrate, and this year it falls on October 19. No matter your faith, everyone can share in the joy of Diwali by coming together with family and friends. 

Diwali For the First-Timers

How To Ensure No Weight Gain During Diwali Festivities

How To Ensure No Weight Gain During Diwali Festivities
Overeating, over drinking or going completely sleepless creates toxicity for your mind and body, and hence the need to fall back upon a ‘detox diet post Diwali. Staying in balance during the festivities will ensure you don't end up needing a post Diwali detox, say experts.

How To Ensure No Weight Gain During Diwali Festivities

Bilingual kids may learn new language faster

Bilingual kids may learn new language faster
Children who are bilingual can be better and faster at learning additional languages later in life than their peers who are monolinguals from their early childhood, researchers say.

Bilingual kids may learn new language faster