Sleep, it’s the great equalizer. We all do it and we all need. No one on earth is above getting a good night’s sleep.

And even though everyone needs sleep, it is often misunderstood. Sleep has been studied and chronicled for centuries, but there are many myths that swirl around the concept of sleep. So, we thought it would be fun to take a look at some of the strangest things people think about sleep and see if there is any truth behind the myths. Plus, we’ll give you some great advice on how to get a good night’s rest.

Without further ado here are the most popular sleeping myths:

Sleeping is a passive activity

We all know the saying: “I was dead to the world last night.” In fact, our bodies and brain are very active during sleep. The endocrine system and brain function can actually increase over night.

Watching TV helps people fall asleep

A lot of people use TV as a tool to help quiet down or distract their otherwise busy brains. However, the light from TV can actually disrupt our brain’s ability to follow its natural cycle and make us tired. TV can affect the brain’s ability to secrete serotonin and can keep us feeling awake and alert when we should be feeling drowsy.

Napping is for babies

Yes, it’s true, babies get a free pass when it comes to napping, while napping adults might be thought of as lazy or sleep deprived. But evidence shows that a nap of 25 minutes or less in the mid afternoon can improve job performance and increase alertness. Siesta time for all!

You need less sleep as you age

Most of us need 7-8 hours of sleep each night, and that is as true for someone in their 20’s as it is for someone in their 70’s. However, older people tend to have more fractured sleep but that might be related to other health issues, and not their need for sleep. If a person is suffering from other ailments that cause pain, it might affect their ability to make it through the night in one sleep.

Don’t wake sleepwalkers

It can be frightening to witness a sleepwalker, or to wake up as a sleepwalker. And there is an old myth that says you should never wake someone in the middle of a sleepwalk. However, there is no scientific proof that waking a sleepwalker will have lasting negative effects. It might be a little frightening, but sleepwalking can put people in dangerous situations so it might be best to wake someone before they do something harmful.

Medication is the best way to treat sleep disorders

Many people suffer from sleep disorders, from insomnia to narcolepsy. And while there are many different medications, from prescription to over-the-counter to natural herbal remedies, they should all be taken with caution and as a last resort. Even herbal remedies can have health consequences and can lead to things like liver damage or dependency.

If you are suffering from a sleep disorder, one of the best approaches is to look at your sleep circumstances and habits. Before trying to medicate yourself to sleep, think about the conditions in which you are trying to fall asleep. Is your room dark and quiet? Are you trying to go to bed at the same time each night? What do you do before you fall asleep? How are your linens and mattress? By making adjustments in these areas, you might be able to solve your sleep problems the natural way.

One of the most important things to consider is your mattress. Having a good mattress that is right for your body’s needs will help ensure that you are setting yourself up for sleep success.

If you are in the area of White Rock, Surrey or Langley and have questions about your sleep and what kind of mattress might be right for you, stop by our mattress store. We are sleep experts and can help you find the best mattress for your needs.