Sleep is essential for a healthy body and mind, but it can also affect our ability to perform well. Among the myths about sleep, there are a few that may have been perpetuated by a variety of sources. Despite conflicting scientific evidence, these beliefs continue to be held by many people.
The aim of this study was to identify commonly held myths about sleep with questionable evidence. These beliefs can affect the health of populations. It is also possible that these myths can be targeted by sleep education campaigns.
In order to determine the most common myths, experts were asked to categorize them. Each statement was then evaluated on falseness using a Delphi approach. They identified twenty statements as myths and ranked them based on their falseness rating.
One of the more common sleep myths is that you can improve your sleep by drinking coffee. Although coffee can reduce drowsiness, it only works for a short period of time. This doesn’t mean you should avoid the beverage. Drinking a cup of coffee can make it easier to fall asleep, but you should wait at least 30 minutes before getting up to ensure that your body gets the full benefit of the drink.
Another popular myth is that you need to keep your bedroom at a warm temperature to help you sleep. While sleeping in a warm room may feel comfortable, it doesn’t actually boost your chances of getting a good night’s rest. A warm bed, on the other hand, can disrupt your body’s natural drop in temperature, making it harder to fall asleep.