Even though we do it every night, sleep still remains a bit of an enigma. There are many unanswered questions about slumber. However, there are also plenty of misconceptions surrounding shut-eye that many people believe. Keep reading to discover some of the most common myths about sleep.
Myth #1: Alcohol Helps You Sleep
It's called a nightcap for a reason. While it's true that alcohol can help you fall asleep faster, it doesn't improve the quality of sleep. A review of 27 studies suggests that alcohol diminishes REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. It's the stage when dreams occur, and it's believed to be restorative. When REM sleep is disrupted, it can cause daytime sleepiness and a lack of concentration.
Myth #2: Watching TV in Bed is a Good Way to Relax
We get it. Sometimes you want to wrap yourself up in your SHEEX CALM + COOL Weighted Blanket and squeeze in one more episode of your favorite show. This routine, though, isn't conducive to a restful slumber. TVs, as well as phones, tablets, and computers, emit blue light. Too much blue light exposure can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle, potentially leaving you fatigued during the day. Instead of watching TV, try these better ways to relax, such as reading a book, taking a bath, and meditating.
Myth #3: Hitting the Snooze Button Will Help You Get More Sleep
If you ask "how much do I need to sleep?", a good answer is enough not to hit the snooze button. Sure, it's always tempting, especially on Monday mornings. But it's best to resist the urge to hit it just for an extra nine minutes of shut-eye. Your body may go back to sleep, but it'll be light, low-quality sleep. Plus, this fragmented sleep caused by hitting the snooze button can lead to reduced cognitive functioning throughout the day. Set your alarm for when you need to wake up exactly, so there's no wiggle room at all to press the button.
Myth #4: Snoring Isn't a Big Deal
Snoring is a common occurrence — especially among older and overweight people — that's usually harmless. However, you shouldn't completely brush it off. Snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea, a sleep disorder in which your breathing stops and starts periodically. Sleep apnea can lead to heart attacks and other serious complications, so check with your doctor to see if you might have it. If you snore, consider getting SHEEX® Cooling Pillows. They promote proper head and neck alignment, which can help reduce snoring.
Myth #5: Counting Sheep Will Help You Fall Asleep
It's a classic recommendation whenever you're having trouble falling asleep. Unfortunately, one study suggests it may take you longer to fall asleep if you try this remedy. Researchers discovered that people who visualized a tranquil scene fell asleep faster than the participants who counted sheep. So, next time you're lying in bed having a difficult time catching ZZZs, imagine being on a beach or in a peaceful forest and see if that helps you.
One thing that's not a myth, though, is how SHEEX® can take your sleep to the next level with our Original Performance Sheet Set. These breathable, cooling sheets are made with our technical fibers that wick moisture away better than cotton and facilitate quicker evaporation, helping your body maintain an ideal sleep temperature.
