Myth 1: Alcohol helps you sleep

Now, let’s bust a common sleep myth. Many folks think a nightcap helps them snooze better. But that’s not true!

Sure, alcohol might make you feel sleepy at first. But it messes up your sleep big time. It cuts down on your deep sleep, which your body needs to feel rested. Dr. Deborah Lee says alcohol ruins REM sleep and makes you wake up more.

Plus, it makes you pee more, so you’ll get up at night. If you drink six or more drinks, you’ll get less good sleep. Instead of booze, try turning off bright lights an hour before bed.

You could also take some magnesium to help you sleep better.

Alcohol disrupts REM sleep and increases nighttime disturbances. – Dr. Deborah Lee

Myth 2: You sleep better alone

Moving from the myth about alcohol, let’s talk about sleeping alone. Many folks think they sleep better by themselves. But that’s not always true. In fact, sleeping with a partner can be good for you.

Dr. Verena Senn says sharing a bed can make your sleep better. When you sleep next to someone, your breathing can match up. This helps you both rest well. Some smart people even made a “sleeping robot” that breathes like a person.

It helps people who sleep alone feel like they have a partner. Also, sleeping with someone can help you keep a good sleep schedule. But be careful about light at night. Too much light can wake you up and mess with your body clock.

It might even make you gain weight. So, while sleeping alone isn’t always best, make sure your room is dark and cozy for the best sleep.

Myth 3: Babies should nap in daylight

Now, let’s talk about baby naps. Many folks think babies should sleep in bright rooms. But that’s not true!

Babies sleep better in dark spaces. Lucy Shrimpton, a sleep expert, says darker rooms help babies nap. Using a snooze shade can cut down on noise and light. This helps babies make more melatonin, the sleep hormone.

So, a dark room can lead to longer, better naps. But don’t worry about crying babies. Good sleep training doesn’t mean leaving them alone to cry. There are kinder ways to help your little one rest well.

Myth 4: You can 'catch up on sleep'

Moving from baby naps to adult sleep habits, let’s bust another myth. Many folks think they can make up for lost sleep on weekends. But that’s not true. You can’t store sleep like money in a bank.

Experts say adults need 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Sleeping more on weekends won’t fix long-term sleep loss. In fact, it can mess up your sleep cycle. Chronic sleep loss can lead to big health problems.

These include obesity and heart issues. The best plan is to get enough sleep every night, not just on weekends.

Long-term sleep deprivation cannot be remedied by sleeping more on weekends. – Abbas Kanani

Myth 5: The brain shuts down when you sleep

Many folks think our brains turn off when we sleep. But that’s not true! Our brains stay busy all night long. They go through different sleep stages, each with its own job. During deep sleep, our brains work hard to fix and heal our bodies.

This is why good sleep is so important for our health.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes says our brains are very active while we sleep. They don’t just rest. Instead, they clean up and sort out the day’s events.

This helps us feel fresh and ready for the next day. Doing calm things before bed, like deep breathing or writing in a journal, can help our brains get ready for a good night’s sleep.

Myth 6: You need less sleep as you get older

Now that we know our brains stay active during sleep, let’s bust another myth. Many folks think older people need less sleep. This is not true! As we age, our sleep patterns may change, but we still need the same amount of rest.

Older adults often go to bed earlier and wake up more at night. But they don’t need less sleep overall. Dr. Rachel Ward warns that not getting enough sleep can lead to health problems.

It can even shorten your life. So, no matter your age, aim for a good night’s sleep. Your body and mind will thank you for it!

Myth 7: Eating cheese before bedtime gives you nightmares

Cheese before bed won’t give you bad dreams. A 2015 study by The British Cheese Board found no link between cheese and nightmares. In fact, cheese might help you sleep better. It has L-tryptophan, which can lower stress and make you sleepy.

Cheese also helps make melatonin, a sleep hormone.

Big meals before bed, not just cheese, can cause more vivid dreams. This happens because they increase REM sleep, the time when we dream most. Dr. Lindsay Browning says cheese may even help with sleep.

So, go ahead and enjoy that bedtime snack. It won’t turn your sweet dreams into scary ones. Next, let’s look at another common sleep myth about exercise.

Myth 8: Exercising before bed disrupts sleep

Many folks think working out before bed will keep them up all night. But that’s not true! Gentle exercise can actually help you sleep better. Soft yoga and deep breathing can calm your body and mind.

These moves help your muscles relax and get you ready for bed. They also turn on the part of your body that helps you feel peaceful.

Evening exercise isn’t bad for sleep. In fact, it can help you fall asleep faster and sleep deeper. Doing some easy yoga or breathing exercises at night can make a big difference. These activities help your body and mind wind down.

They get you in the right mood for a good night’s rest. So don’t be afraid to move a little before bed. It might just be the key to better sleep!

Myth 9: Leave crying babies alone to teach them to sleep

Moving from exercise to baby sleep, let’s talk about a big myth. Some folks think it’s okay to let babies cry alone to teach them to sleep. But that’s not true!

Sleep expert Lucy Shrimpton says this is a bad idea. It’s better to help babies learn to sleep in a kind way. We shouldn’t ignore what babies need as they grow. Good sleep training helps kids settle down without going against their feelings.

It’s not true that sleep training hurts the bond between parents and babies. It also doesn’t make babies feel unsure. The key is to find a gentle way to help babies sleep well.

Myth 10: There is no cure for snoring

From crying babies to noisy sleepers, let’s tackle another sleep myth. Many folks think snoring is just a funny noise. But it’s not always a joke.

Snoring can be fixed! It’s not a life sentence. About 73 million men and 52 million women in the U.S. snore. Kids do it too – around 20 million of them. Loud snoring might mean sleep apnea, which is serious.

But don’t worry! There are ways to stop it. Some people use special machines that help them breathe at night. Others wear mouth guards. Losing weight can also help. Even small changes like clearing your nose can make a big difference.

So, if you or someone you know snores, there’s hope! Talk to a doctor and find the right fix.