Twelve Sleep Related MythsMyth #1: "Snoring is an aggravation, but it's not really harmful."Well, snoring is irritating, all right, to those in the same bed, same room, or even in the same building. But, added to the irritation factor, snoring can be a warning sign.
Those who snore loudly may be suffering from the sleep disorder sleep apnea. Myth #2: "It's easy to cure snoring using a dental device or some of he over-the-counter products available."Although many such products are available including nasal strips, sprays, etc. most are of little use, and they can be downright dangerous. Check with your doctor first. He may prescribe a sleep study to eliminate sleep apnea.
Myth #3: "Your body can adjust to as little as two or three hours sleep."Although sleep requirements may vary from person to person, eight hours nightly is the recommended amount. Less than six hours night after night leads to sleep deprivation and a deterioration in physical and mental health.
Myth #4: "If you miss a few hours of sleep one night, you can catch up the next night.Not true. The sleep you miss is gone forever. You can get back on schedule the next night, but you cannot "catch up."
Myth #5: "Drinking an alcoholic beverage (or having several drinks) before retiring will lull you into a deep sleep."Hmmm! True as far as it goes.Alcohol does have a sedetive effect. It will put you to sleep. But your peaceful sleep may last only three or four hours. Then that "relaxing drink" begins to disrupt your sleep patterns. This can cause awakening, nightmares and headaches. Make your nightcap warm milk or herbal tea or look at other ways to improve your sleep.
Myth #6: "Your weight has nothing to do with how you sleep." This couldn't be farther from the truth. Heavey people usually snore more. Many people who are seriously overweight become victims of sleep apnea. Plus, when you're obese, even turning over in bed can become a problem.
Myth #7: "Nightmares and night terrors or sleep terrors are the same thing."These are two very different disorders. Nightmares are nothing but dreams, very scary dreams, yes, but dreams nonetheless. When awakening from a nightmare, the dreamer often can recall many details. Night Terrors on the other hand, are much more frightening. The dreamer, upon awakening, often can't recall what has frightened him, but the symptoms of terror are still there and it takes a while to become calm.
Myth #8: "Enuresis, or bed wetting, is a disorder exclusive to children." Enuresis is more common in children, but occasionally it's carried over into adulthood where it can cause many problems. There are methods to cope with enuresis in both children and adults.
Myth #9: "You should never awaken a sleep walker."This was once thought to be true, but recent research has revealed that, as long as it's done gently so as not to startle the sleeper more than necessary, it's all right to wake the person up and lead him back to bed. Learn the basics of sleep walking so you can cope with the problem.
Myth #10: "The elderly need less sleep than younger people do." Not true. We all need basically the same amount of sleep. The elderly, however, may have specialized problems that preclude them getting the sleep they need.
Myth #11: "The only cause of night sweats is menopause."Although menopause can cause hot flashes and night sweats, it's only one of many possible causes. To eliminate night sweats, it's first necessary to eliminate whatever is causing them.
Myth #12: "Drunk driving is the principal cause of automobile accidents."Drunk driving is, indeed, a major cause of road accidents, falling asleep at the wheel is a close second and may even surpass drunk driving. The National Sleep poll from the National Sleep Foundation estimates that over half the people on the road feel sleep while they're driving and many have actually fallen asleep at the wheel.
Insomnia is estimated to affect more than half of the U.S. adult population. Insomnia can take many different forms: difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, waking up too early, or waking up feeling unrefreshed. In a survey by the National Sleep Foundation, 58% of adults reported having insomnia at least a few nights a week. And the vast majority of those surveyed agreed that sleep loss can have a major impact on their lives: 
