Close X
Thursday, October 31, 2024
ADVT 
Life

Busted: 20 Most Common Myths Around Sleep

Darpan News Desk IANS, 16 Apr, 2019 06:45 PM
  • Busted: 20 Most Common Myths Around Sleep

Common myths around sleep like snoring is harmless or having a drink helps fall asleep not only shape poor habits but may also pose a significant public health threat, say researchers.


The claim by some people that they can get by on five hours of sleep was among the top myths researchers were able to dispel based on scientific evidence.


This myth also poses the most serious risk to health from long-term sleep deficits, said the study published online in Sleep Health journal on Tuesday.


"Sleep is a vital part of life that affects our productivity, mood, and general health and well-being," said study lead investigator Rebecca Robbins at New York University Langone Health.


"Dispelling myths about sleep promotes healthier sleep habits which, in turn, promote overall better health," she added.


To reach this conclusion, researchers reviewed more than 8,000 websites to identify the 20 most common assumptions about sleep.


With a team of sleep medicine experts, they ranked them based on whether each could be dispelled as a myth or supported by scientific evidence, and on the harm that the myth could cause.


Another common myth relates to snoring.


While snoring can be harmless, it can also be a sign of sleep apnea, a potentially serious sleep disorder.


The authors encourage patients not to dismiss loud snoring, but rather to see a doctor since this sleep behaviour may lead to heart stoppages or other illnesses.


The study authors also found sufficient evidence that, despite beliefs to the contrary, drinking alcoholic beverages before bed is indeed unhealthy for sleep.


"Sleep is important to health, and there needs to be greater effort to inform the public regarding this important public health issue," noted study senior investigator Girardin Jean Louis.


Robbins and her colleagues suggest creating a consistent sleep schedule and spending more time, at least seven hours, asleep.

MORE Life ARTICLES

Review: Akram Khan Company’s Chotto Desh

The performance is a marvelous medley of dance, expressions, conversations and grace. 

Review: Akram Khan Company’s Chotto Desh

Delhi-Based Artist Anupam Roy Wins Emerging Artist Award, Swiss Residency

Delhi-based artist Anupam Roy, whose "large-scale drawings and paintings speak about systemic violence and injustice", has bagged the Emerging Artist Award 2018 granted by the non-profit Foundation for Indian Contemporary Art (FICA).

Delhi-Based Artist Anupam Roy Wins Emerging Artist Award, Swiss Residency

Sperm Count 50% Lower In Men Whose Fathers Smoke: Study

While studies have repeatedly linked maternal smoking during pregnancy with reduced sperm count in male children, a new research showed that men whose fathers smoked at the time of pregnancy also had 50 per cent lower count of sperms than those with non-smoking fathers.

Sperm Count 50% Lower In Men Whose Fathers Smoke: Study

Holiday Shopping Made Easy

Perfect presents that you can give yourself or your loved ones this gifting season

Holiday Shopping Made Easy

Steps To Treat Your Sagging Skin

Steps To Treat Your Sagging Skin
As you start ageing, skin may begin to sag as a consequence of a natural loss and weakening of collagen and elastin. However keeping in mind a few basic steps can help you in getting rid of the sagging skin.

Steps To Treat Your Sagging Skin

Dine Out Vancouver Festival event tickets available now

Canada's largest food and drink festival returns January 18 - February 3, 2019

Dine Out Vancouver Festival event tickets available now