Sleep is a very complex topic. Its mysteries are not completely solved yet. But, common sayings or well-meant old fashioned advice can be heard again and again. Often they turned out to be misconceptions. Get to know more about these:
- Eight hours of sleep are the norm:
The sleep need of every individual is different since it is genetically caused. Some need more sleep, some less. But, not only sleep duration is important – sleeping quality is as well. Our lifestyle (use of caffeine, alcohol, nutrition, exercise, relaxation etc.) and personal habits have a huge impact on both. - After a night of few sleep you have to sleep longer the following night:
It’s impossible to pay back a huge sleep debt at once. An example: you had too few sleep two nights in a row. The next night, you surely won’t be able to sleep 14 or 16 hours. If you want to pay back your sleep debt, try to go to bed earlier than normally – and this for several nights. - Sports and exercise before going to bed make tired. You are going to sleep better:
Here, the time of day is playing an important role. Since physical exercise is activating your circulatory which makes falling asleep hard, doing sports early in the day is better than late in the evening. If your daily schedule is not compatible with this, sports in the early hours of the evening is ok. A comfortable walk is suitable and perfect at any time of the day. - You are tired after lunch because all the blood is needed for digestion:
A short power nap at lunch time is beneficial for your health in any case, but not because all of your blood is in your stomach. A power nap increases concentration and performance, the stress level Summed up, a power nap is refreshing, relaxing and supports a balanced psyche. - The only proper way for sleeping is to sleep through:
In times past it was common to sleep in two shifts. Only our modern way of living interfered with this habit. - Some people state that they are able to sleep at any place even on the floor:
Even if they are able to sleep on the floor, sleeping quality clearly suffers. A good sleeping quality is an essential precondition for healthy sleep.
Did you wonder whether counting sleep supports falling asleep – or is this a myth just as well? Learn here more about it.
Receive further information in our sleep-healthy-guidebook “sleep yourself young, fit and successful”, free of cost.
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