The Worst Advice We Have Heard About Sleep
If you take a look on the Internet, you will find plenty of tips about sleep. While this is a good thing, there is also a lot of misinformation as well, and thus it is important to know how to weed out the good from the bad. With that being said, below, we reveal some of the worst advice we have heard about sleep.
• More sleep is better – We wish this was true, but unfortunately that is not the case. People that sleep excessively can experience the likes of uncontrolled diabetes, depression, and sleep apnea.
• Exercise before bed – A lot of people think it is wise to exercise before bed because it will tire them out. While exercising regularly can help to sleep, you are not advised to do so just before you go to bed. Vigorous exercising can actually keep you awake, as it gives you a rush of adrenaline and a burst of energy.
• Take prescription drugs if you have on-going sleep problems – Prescription drugs are actually designed for those with short-term sleep issues, as opposed to long-term problems. If the latter applies, you would be better off trying cognitive behavioural therapy.
• Your bedroom should be warm – While we all love the thought of snuggling under the duvet, a warm bedroom actually makes it more difficult to go to sleep. Thus, make sure your room is not too toasty.
• Drink alcohol before bed – Many people think drinking alcohol is a great way to drift off to sleep. While alcohol may make you feel tired initially, you will have a restless night’s sleep, and you are more than likely to see every hour on the clock. If you cannot help but have a drink before you go to bed, you should look into the prospect of going to a sober living facility. This will ensure you get your life back on track and you will remember what a good sleep feels like!
• Play on your smartphone while in bed – A lot of people take this approach because they have read that it is important to relax before bed. However, the lights on your smartphone are going to make it more difficult for you to go to sleep. Instead, listen to some quiet music or have a warm bath.
• Catch up with any sleep lost the night before – Last but not least, if you only had four hours of sleep the night before, it may be tempting to then sleep for 12 hours the day after. This is not advised. Instead, you need to get back into your regular routine as soon as possible.