Sleep: Facts and fables unraveled

Sleep is an essential part of your life, but there are still many misconceptions surrounding this crucial aspect of your well-being. In this article, we're going to challenge some of the most common myths about sleep. Discover truth and fiction about sleep duration, quality and their impact on your health.

Health problems are not related to the amount and quality of your sleep.
FALSE: More and more scientific studies show links between poor sleep quality and/or insufficient sleep. For example, too little sleep can reduce the secretion of growth hormone, which has been linked to obesity.

Older people need less sleep.
FALSE: The average adult needs seven to nine hours of sleep every day. Although sleep patterns tend to change as we age, the amount of sleep we generally need does not change. Older people may sleep less at night due to frequent nighttime awakenings, but their sleep needs are no less than those of younger adults.

Sleep disorders are not serious.
FALSE: Sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy have significant health consequences. They can lead to reduced quality of life, increased risk of mental health problems and physical conditions if left untreated. That is why it is very important to see a good night's sleep as a priority.

Alcohol helps you sleep well.
FALSE: Although alcohol can be relaxing, it interferes with sleep quality. It can lead to shallow sleep, frequent awakenings and reduced quality of REM sleep, affecting the overall sleep experience. Don't forget the other negative effects that alcohol has on your body.

If you wake up in the middle of the night and can't fall back asleep, you need to get out of bed and do something.
TRUE: When you wake up during the night and can't fall back asleep in about 15-20 minutes. Then get up and do something relaxing. Don't sit in bed and look at the clock. Experts recommend going to another room to read or listen to music. Only return to bed when you feel tired.

Too little sleep can affect weight.
TRUE: How much you sleep at night can affect your weight. This is because the amount of sleep you get can affect certain hormones, especially the hormones leptin and ghrelin, which affect your appetite. Leptin and ghrelin work in a kind of "checks and balances" system to regulate feelings of hunger and satiety. Ghrelin, which is produced in the gastrointestinal tract, stimulates appetite, while leptin, produced in fat cells, sends a signal to the brain when you are full. When you don't get enough sleep, leptin levels drop, meaning you feel less full after eating, and ghrelin levels rise, which stimulates your appetite so you want to eat more. The combination of the two can lead to overeating, which in turn can lead to weight gain.

Sleep is important for your creativity.
TRUE: Sleep plays a role in creative thinking and problem-solving skills. During deep sleep, memories are merged and neural connections strengthened, which can lead to new insights and creative ideas after a good night's sleep.

How I sleep may be genetically determined.
TRUE: Genes play a role in determining sleep patterns and sleep needs. Differences in genetics may explain why some people are night owls while others are natural early risers.

Sleep is essential to your health, and this information will help you better understand common misconceptions and facts about sleep and sleep disorders.

Pharmacist Dirk
Founder Metis Supplements

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