Sleep is essential for good health and yet there are many myths that exist which are damaging. Know the facts so you will get the sleep you need to stay healthy and live longer.
Sleep Myth 1 - 5 hours of sleep or less is all you need
Unless you’re a superhero this simply is not true. If your life is so busy that you are attempting to get by on this premise, beware! Researchers and doctors say not getting enough sleep is inviting cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes, and shorter life expectancy. Getting 7-8 hours of quality sleep at night can change (and even lengthen) your life.
Sleep Myth 2 - Alcohol before bed will help you sleep
While a nip of wine, beer, or whiskey may make you fall asleep sooner, alcohol will dramatically reduce the quality of your sleep. Why? Alcohol disrupts your REM (rapid eye movement) stage of sleep, which is vital for memory and learning. Also, because alcohol is a diuretic, you may find yourself awakened by a full bladder during the night.
Sleep Myth 3 - Your favorite TV show will help you relax before bed
Few things on the television are relaxing, especially the news or your favorite detective series. When you hit the bed you should be powering down, not being stimulated by gunfire and heated debates. There’s also the fact that TV, smartphones, and other devices produce blue light, which can delay your body's production of melatonin -- the sleep hormone that helps us drift off.
Sleep Myth 4 - Stay in bed even if you can’t get to sleep
Absolutely the worst possible idea. If insomnia is keeping you awake, get out of bed and find something useful to do. Read a book, fold some laundry, even better try some relaxing deep breathing or yoga. Do something other than staying in bed because sleep will elude you.
Sleep Myth 5 - Hitting the snooze button
Although the snooze button on your alarm clock is supposed to be helpful, it is actually a very bad habit. That extra 10 minutes of half-sleep will only make you groggy. Low quality sleep is almost as bad as too little sleep. Associate the alarm clock buzzer as “time to rise and shine.” Open the curtains and let the morning light shine in.
Sleep Myth 6 - Snoring is not harmful, even if it is noisy
Maybe it’s harmless, but there’s a good chance it is a sign of sleep apnea, which causes the walls of the throat to relax and narrow during sleep. It can even stop your breathing altogether. People with sleep apnea are more likely to develop high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat and have a heart attack or a stroke.
Island Slumber invites you to discover the sleep accessories and bamboo bedding that will make getting to sleep easier, faster, and much more luxurious. Don’t you deserve a deep, restful, night’s sleep?
Your Sleep Oasis® is Only a Click Away
What it really comes down to is this. Sleep is a necessity, not a luxury. And finding the best possible sleep environment is the first step to getting the sleep you need for healthy emotional balance. Create your own personal Sleep Oasis®,complete with the natural luxury of bamboo sheets,pillows, and sleep essentials.
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