Sleep Myths

In their summer 2018 Health Connections newsletter Regence published three sleep myths according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the National Sleep Foundation.  Here are the major points gleamed from this article.

MYTH: You can get by on very little sleep.

FACT: Scraping by on very little sleep not only results in irritability, reduced productivity can result in you being more accident prone, but it also presents a serious health risk. Abbreviated sleep is linked to depression, obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure.  It is suggested that adults receive at least seven hours of sleep per night

MYTH:  Snoring can be annoying, but it is not a health concern. 

FACT:  Snoring can be harmless, but it can also suggest a case of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.  A person with this condition will stop breathing several times a night and this can result in heart disease.  CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy can help.


MYTH: When you wake up and cannot go back to sleep, it is best to just lie there until you can.

FACT: Experts suggest that if you do not go to sleep in 15 minutes, it is better to get up, move to another room and engage in a relaxing pursuit. When you feel sleepy, go back to bed.  If you wake up often during the night and have trouble going back to sleep, especially combined with feeling befuddled the next day you may have insomnia and should discuss the matter with your doctor.