Sleep is essential for our bodies as it is something you do for a third of your life. It is necessary to rest your mind and body, however, there are still many myths when it comes to sleeping. Here is our list of myths and facts about sleeping that you should know.
Myth: Sleep is not important.
This is one of the most common myths and no matter what anyone says, sleep should be a priority. Not prioritizing sleep can hurt you in the long run as it increases your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.
There are even short-term impacts of poor sleep. Post poor sleep, your ability to learn and test well is inhibited, and your reaction time is slower. Thinking, studying, and performing day-to-day tasks feel almost impossible when you are running on little sleep, and you are more likely to have accidents. Make sure to get a good amount of sleep every night to ensure you are performing your best. Finding the best mattress for you might just be the right step to better sleep.
Fact: Driving drowsy is like drunk driving.
Driving with a lack of sleep can affect how you focus on the road and slows down your reaction time. It can affect your decision-making ability much like drunk driving. Experts say driving without 24 hours of sleep is the equivalent of driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.10
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 72,000 car crashes a year involve drowsy driving. Experts say your driving will be impaired if you drive with around 3-5 hours of sleep. Therefore, if you drive to work, that is a perfect reason to get a good night’s sleep.
Myth: Being tired is a mindset.
Some people believe they are able to condition themselves to function on less sleep. In general, our bodies can temporarily push through when running on little sleep, but eventually, you will collapse. Spending time in each phase of sleep is important to restore your body and mind. During each of the phases of sleep, your body is processing memories, healing itself, and releasing growth hormones. All of which are essential for a fully functioning lifestyle.
Children need 12 hours of sleep, teens need around 11, and adults need around 7. While you need less sleep as you grow older, it is not possible to condition yourself into needing less sleep. Your body needs sleep and if you find you are not sleeping as you should, be sure to check out Auburn Mattress Firm to make sure you have the right mattress for you.
Fact: Catching up on sleep can take a while.
The longer you go without sleep, the longer it will take you to catch up. Normally, getting just one good night’s sleep is not enough to help you catch up. However, determining how much sleep you need to catch up varies from person to person.
It is easier to make up for one night of poor sleep than it is to make up for sleep deprivation over time. For example, new parents who are dealing with a lack of sleep for many days and weeks at a time will take a long time to catch up on sleep.
Myth & Fact: Melatonin can help, but it might not be how you expect.
Melatonin is a natural hormone that can help induce sleep. It can help regulate your sleep schedule, but it does not make you sleepy. It is more useful to take a few hours before going to sleep, not when you are in bed ready to fall asleep. Feel free to talk to your doctor if you are interested in taking a melatonin supplement.
Wholesale Mattress Center
At Wholesale Mattress Center, we want to make sure you are getting the best sleep possible. The quality of your mattress, the firmness, and the materials could be impacting your sleep. If your bed has been affecting your quality of sleep it might be time to look into getting a new mattress! Contact us today to get started.
