Do you know that sleep accounts for almost a third of our life? Our routine is incomplete without quality sleep, which plays a vital role in our existence. Until the early 1950s, sleep was generally regarded as a passive activity where the body and brain remain inactive. However, this was not the case. Over the past few decades, various studies have shown that our brain is engaged in many essential activities while we get some sleep at night.
“Sleep is a complex and intricate mechanism that has been studied by researchers all over the world. Some misleading sleep myths can be misconstrued as facts. Many of us have often heard and even experienced them. Cat From normalizing nap times to overcompensating for sleep during the weekend, some of these habits and beliefs can lead to disrupted sleep cycles that can negatively impact a person’s health,” Dr. Yongchiat Wong, Group Scientific, Medical & Technical Affairs, P&G Health – Asia Pacific, India, Middle East and Africa.
In several studies, poor sleep has been linked to increased risks of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions. So, it’s time to address some of these myths and say yes to the facts about Zzzs. Dr. Wong busts some of these myths.
Myth 1: 7 hours of sleep is the key to a healthy sleep cycle.
fact: It is not only about the quantity of sleep but the quality also matters
An adult needs at least seven hours of sound sleep every night. But then again, even if you get 7 hours of sleep a day, you won’t always be able to take advantage of it. What matters is the quality of the seven hours of sleep. Getting the recommended hours of sleep is important, but how well you sleep can determine the quality of your sleep. It especially emphasizes on determining how peaceful and restful your sleep is. Sleep duration, continuity, and depth are three key elements of good quality sleep.
Myth 2: Poor sleep doesn’t just affect your mood and mental health the next day
fact: poor sleep interferes with your daily activities
Sleep has an immediate effect on our mental alertness and emotion regulation. Therefore, apart from the physical effects, chronic lack of sleep can also have adverse effects on our mental health. Lack of sleep can make you feel like you have a short fuse or find it more difficult to concentrate on the task at hand. ZzzQuil by Kantar as per India National Sleep Survey1, 9 out of 10 respondents reported feeling the effects of not sleeping well the previous night, and nearly 60% said sleep interfered with their daily activities. More than 80% people believed that due to lack of sleep, job stress is very difficult to handle.
Myth 3: Stress disrupts your sleep cycle.
fact: Besides stress, there are other factors that can disrupt your sleep cycle.
While stress is probably one of the common factors disrupting many of our sleep schedules, there are other factors that can affect our Zzzs. Exposure to blue light emitted by your devices can make it difficult to fall asleep by reducing your body’s production of melatonin, a natural substance that supports and induces quality sleep. In the same ZzzQuil India National Sleep Survey, nearly 54% cited digital and social media habits as the primary cause of sleep difficulties, resulting in disrupted sleep routines.
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Myth 4: poor quality sleep is normal and acceptable
factPoor quality sleep should not be ignored.
Melatonin is a key body substance for regulating sleep. The pineal gland is the primary producer of melatonin. About 80% of melatonin is produced and secreted by our bodies at night because darkness enhances its synthesis. Melatonin production peaks in childhood but gradually declines with age. This may result in an increase in the prevalence of sleep problems as we age, as well as changes in our lifestyle. That’s why good quality sleep should never be taken lightly.
Myth 5: sleep has nothing to do with my immune health
fact: Poor sleep can disrupt immune processes.
Studies have shown that people who sleep less than 7 hours are almost 3 times more likely to catch a cold infection than those who sleep more than 8 hours daily. Our sleep cycle communicates strongly with our immune system. Inadequate sleep can lead to a decrease in the production of certain immune cells and antibodies that are important in fighting off infection. Sleep is equally important for physical restoration and repair of the body. It helps our body recover during illness.
Myth 6: Sleep Aids Are Addictive and Can Be Habit-Forming
fact: Melatonin sleep supplement is non-addictive.
Not all sleep aids are addictive. Melatonin is naturally released by your body every night. It mainly acts as a coordinator in your body for sleep, that is, signals your body when it is time to go to bed. Melatonin sleep supplements help supplement your body’s melatonin levels to help you fall asleep faster in a way that is non-addictive and without drowsiness the next day. You can add melatonin supplements to your routine for healthy sleep in addition to regular exercise and proper sleep hygiene.
Here are some tips to encourage you to get a good night’s sleep –
- Keep a regular sleep and wake schedule, even on weekends.
- Minimize the use of electronic devices before sleeping. Also remember to turn off or mute electronic devices before putting them away to help prevent interference during sleep!
- Limit your caffeine intake at night.
- When life keeps you awake sometimes, melatonin-rich sleep supplements like Vicks Zzquil Natura can help. Melatonin helps you fall asleep faster, doesn’t cause drowsiness the next day, and is not addictive.
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