3 myths about sleep denied by a new study

New research dispels some common myths about sleep that prevent people from getting enough rest and that eventually can cause serious and chronic health problems.

Stress, chronic insomnia, poor postural hygiene, an unhealthy rest environment, heavy and copious dinners or excessive contact with technology. These are some of the factors that can cause you to sleep badly, but in the long run, myths about sleep that lack a scientific basis also deteriorate your health, as new research shows. Combating misinformation and providing people with knowledge on the subject is essential, especially at a time when 35 percent of adults sleep less than the recommended 7 hours each night.

Science has highlighted the dire consequences of sleeping poorly and poorly, ranging from an increased risk of obesity to diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and mental health problems such as depression. Several widespread misconceptions about what constitutes good sleep hygiene could contribute significantly to the crisis of sleep deprivation, suggests new research, by Rebecca Robbins and published in the journal Sleep Health.

Three most common myths about sleep, dissipated

• A person can function well with 5 hours of sleep or less:  The first mistake, say, researchers, is the one that is most likely to harm a person’s long-term health. Napping during the day to make up for lack of sleep at night is not a solution, they say. Instead, it is advisable to create a regular sleep schedule and sleep between seven and nine hours a day.
• Strong snoring is normal:  Snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea. This is a condition that affects 18 million people in the United States alone, which can lead to heart attacks, strokes or depression if left untreated. On the other hand, it is also true that snoring can be totally harmless in many cases.
• Drinking alcohol before bed helps to sleep:  Finally, researchers highlight the scientific evidence that has repeatedly shown that alcohol consumption prevents people from achieving a deep and restorative sleep phase.

“Sleeping is a vital part of life that affects our productivity, state of mind, general health and well-being,” says Robbins. Lack of enough sleep can also weaken the body’s immune system and affect hormone production and insulin resistance, among other negative consequences.

Source | Medical News Today