Ms. Career Girl

Day 10: The Truth About Sleep – And The Myths You Need to Dismiss

by · Oct 15, 2024

This is day 10 of our 30 day series “30 Simple Things to Do to Change Your Life in 30 Days. If you missed a day, links to previous articles follow this article.

Welcome to Day 10 of our “30 Simple Things You Can Do to Change Your Life.” Today’s focus is on one of the most vital, yet often misunderstood, aspects of well-being: sleep. In a world that glorifies hustle and productivity, sleep is often treated as a luxury or, worse, a sign of laziness. But the truth is, sleep is essential for every aspect of your health—physical, mental, and emotional.

There are countless myths around sleep that, if followed, could be doing you more harm than good. Let’s break down the truth about sleep and dispel some of the most damaging myths so you can start getting the rest your body and mind need.

Why Sleep Matters

Before diving into the myths, let’s first understand why sleep is so crucial. Sleep isn’t just a period of rest—it’s a time when your body and brain are actively repairing and rejuvenating. During sleep, your body heals itself, restores energy, and processes the information you’ve absorbed during the day. Without sufficient sleep, your ability to think clearly, manage emotions, maintain physical health, and even fend off illnesses suffers.

In short: Sleep is non-negotiable if you want to lead a healthier, more balanced life.

Common Myths About Sleep – And The Truth You Need to Know

Myth #1: You Can “Catch Up” on Sleep on the Weekends

Many people believe they can burn the candle at both ends during the week and make up for it by sleeping in on weekends. Unfortunately, sleep doesn’t work that way. Chronic sleep deprivation can’t simply be “repaid” by extra weekend sleep, and long-term sleep debt can lead to a host of problems, including weakened immunity, weight gain, and increased stress.

The Truth:

Consistency is key. Your body thrives on routine. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. If you’ve had a bad night of sleep, take a short nap (no more than 20-30 minutes) during the day, but focus on establishing a steady sleep schedule.

Myth #2: Some People Only Need 4-5 Hours of Sleep

You’ve probably heard stories about high-achieving individuals who claim they only sleep a few hours each night and still perform at their best. While it’s true that sleep needs vary from person to person, the vast majority of adults need 7-9 hours of sleep to function optimally. Consistently getting less than this can lead to cognitive decline, mood swings, and a higher risk of chronic diseases.

The Truth:

Though there’s a small percentage of people who are genetically predisposed to thrive on less sleep (known as “short sleepers”), for most of us, anything less than 7 hours is not sustainable. Your body and brain need ample time to go through all the stages of sleep, including deep sleep and REM (dream) sleep, to fully restore.

Myth #3: Older Adults Need Less Sleep

As people age, it’s common to hear that they need less sleep. However, while sleep patterns may change with age—often becoming more fragmented—older adults still need about the same amount of sleep as younger adults, typically 7-8 hours. The difference is that older adults may find it harder to get continuous sleep and might benefit from naps during the day to make up for any nighttime disturbances.

The Truth:

Aging doesn’t reduce your need for sleep. If you find it harder to sleep through the night as you get older, focusing on good sleep hygiene (such as limiting caffeine and creating a calming bedtime routine) can help ensure you still get enough restorative rest.

Myth #4: You Can Train Yourself to Need Less Sleep

Many people think they can “train” their bodies to function on less sleep, adapting to shorter nights of rest. However, science shows that this isn’t the case. While you can force yourself to stay awake, your cognitive and physical performance will suffer over time. You may feel like you’re adapting, but your brain and body are slowly deteriorating without adequate sleep.

The Truth:

There’s no hack or shortcut to needing less sleep. While some people might be able to push through fatigue, this doesn’t mean they’re functioning at their best. You’ll perform, think, and feel better with the sleep your body truly requires.

Myth #5: Drinking Alcohol Helps You Sleep Better

Many people use a nightcap to help them relax and fall asleep faster. While alcohol may help you fall asleep initially, it actually disrupts the quality of your sleep later in the night. Alcohol interferes with REM sleep, which is crucial for cognitive functions like memory and mood regulation. You may wake up feeling groggy or unrefreshed after a night of drinking.

The Truth:

Alcohol doesn’t help you sleep well—it prevents you from getting the deep, restorative sleep you need. If you’re struggling to unwind, try alternatives like a calming bedtime routine or herbal tea instead of reaching for alcohol.

The Essentials of Good Sleep Hygiene

Now that we’ve busted some common myths, let’s talk about practical ways to improve your sleep. Good sleep hygiene is all about creating a sleep-friendly environment and habits that support restful, uninterrupted sleep.

Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule

Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day—even on weekends. This helps regulate your body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally.

Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine

Wind down at least 30 minutes before bed with calming activities like reading, meditating, or listening to soft music. Avoid screens during this time, as the blue light can interfere with melatonin production.

Make Your Sleep Environment Comfortable

Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool (around 60-67°F or 15-19°C is optimal for most people). Invest in a good mattress and pillows, and remove distractions like TVs or smartphones.

Limit Caffeine and Heavy Meals Before Bed

Caffeine, nicotine, and large meals can interfere with your ability to fall asleep. Try to avoid these a few hours before bedtime.

Move Your Body

Regular exercise can improve sleep quality, but try not to work out too close to bedtime, as it can have an energizing effect.

Final Thoughts: Prioritize Sleep for a Better Life

Sleep is the foundation of your health and well-being. It influences your mood, energy levels, productivity, and even your relationships. By dismissing the myths and embracing the truth about sleep, you’ll be on your way to more restful nights and energized days.

Remember: Sleep isn’t something to cut corners on. It’s a vital part of living your best, healthiest life. So tonight, give yourself the gift of a good night’s sleep—you’ll wake up ready to take on whatever life throws your way!

Previous articles in this series can be found here:

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Ms. Career Girl

Ms. Career Girl was started in 2008 to help ambitious young professional women figure out who they are, what they want and how to get it.