MYTH: Daytime sleepiness always means a person isn't getting enough sleep.
FACT: Excessive daytime sleepiness is when an individual feels very drowsy during the day, when he/she should be fully alert and awake. The condition, which can occur even after getting ‘enough’ sleep, can signal an underlying medical condition, or sleep disorder such as narcolepsy or sleep apnoea. Discuss these problems and symptoms with a doctor.
MYTH: Health problems such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and depression are unrelated to the amount and quality of a person's sleep.
FACT: Studies indicate a relationship between the quantity and quality of sleep and many health problems. For example, insufficient sleep affects growth hormone secretion that is linked to obesity. As the amount of hormone secretion decreases, the chance for weight gain increases. Blood pressure usually falls during the sleep cycle.
However, interrupted sleep can adversely affect this normal decline, leading to hypertension and cardiovascular problems. Research also indicates that insufficient sleep impairs the body's ability to use insulin, which can trigger diabetes
MYTH: The older you get, the less sleep you need.
FACT: Sleep experts recommend a range of seven to nine hours of sleep for the average adult. While sleep patterns change as we age, the amount of sleep we need generally does not. Older people may wake more frequently through the night and may actually get less night-time sleep, but their sleep need is no less than younger adults. Because they may sleep less during the night, older people tend to sleep more during the day.
MYTH: During sleep, your brain turns off.
FACT: The body rests during sleep, but the brain remains active, gets "recharged," and still controls many body functions including breathing. Even in the deepest non-REM sleep, our minds can still process information.
MYTH: If you wake up in the middle of the night, it is best to lie there, count sheep, or toss and turn until you eventually fall back asleep.
FACT: No, this is a symptom of insomnia. Relaxing imagery or thoughts may help to induce sleep more than counting sheep. Either way, most experts say if you do not fall back asleep within 15-20 minutes, get up, go to another room and engage in a relaxing activity such as listening to music, or reading. Return to bed when you feel sleepy. Avoid watching the clock.
