There are plenty of tips for receiving a good night’s sleep that everybody knows: go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, no caffeine in the evening, avoid eating spicy foods before going to sleep. But did you know that much of the conventional wisdom surrounding sleep is actually false?
Explore these five sleep myths and learn how they could be negatively affecting your slumber.
Counting Sheep Helps You Sleep
This is probably the most well-known myth on the list: engaging in a boring and repetitive task—such as counting sheep—will help you get to sleep. However, an Oxford University study [link to URL 4] found the opposite to be true.
Participants who counted sheep (or did nothing) took up to 20 minutes longer to fall asleep than those who were asked to imagine a relaxing scene, such as walking on a beach. The scientists concluded that counting sheep wasn’t effective enough to prevent the mind from drifting to other thoughts or block out environmental factors that keep people awake. …show more content…
The elderly tend to experience more fragmented sleep due to other health factors that make it harder to stay asleep. However, your actual sleep needs don’t decrease much with age. Short sleep among the elderly has been linked to Alzheimer disease [link to URL 5], diabetes, and arteriosclerosis.
No matter your age, speak with a doctor if you feel tired during the day or if your sleep doesn’t feel restful.
A Nightcap Helps You Sleep Better
Alcoholic beverages can leave you feeling relaxed and drowsy, so it’s no wonder people have long advised having a nightcap before hitting the hay. However, the way alcohol affects the body actually impairs