CLEVELAND, OH (WOIO/CNN) --We all value sleep and most would say we don’t get enough.
Who doesn’t like the sound of sleeping in on a Saturday morning and waking up hours past your normal alarm time.
But researchers from NYU Langone Health’s School of Medicine, have suggested there are several myths out there on sleeping habits that could be doing more harm than good.
"“Dispelling myths about sleep promotes healthier sleep habits which, in turn, promote overall better health,” according to study lead investigator, Rebecca Robbins, PhD with NYU.
According to a CNN article, here are the top seven myths ranked by degree of falsehood and the risk to your health.
1. Adults need five or fewer hours of sleep
False: The recommendation is actually seven to 10 hours.
2. It’s healthy to be able to fall asleep ‘anywhere, anytime’
False: If you can false asleep at the drop of a hat, it suggests your body is too tired.
3. Your brain and body can adapt to less sleep
False: Your body goes through four stages of sleep and needs time to repeat those every night.
4. Snoring, although annoying, is mostly harmless
False: Snoring can lead to sleep apnea which is exhausting to your body at night.
5. Drinking alcohol before bed helps you fall sleep
False: Alcohol can keep you from experiencing all four levels of sleep.
6. Not sleeping? Stay in bed with eyes closed and try and try
False: It should only take you about 15 minutes to fall asleep. If you toss and turn for longer you’re doing more harm than good. You should get out of bed, change the environment and do something mindless: “Keep the lights low and fold socks,” Robins suggested.
7. It doesn’t matter what time of day you sleep
False: Your body and mind like to sleep at night to reset your biological clock.