Sleep is something young children fight, and adults crave. Despite the battles of insomnia, sleep is something that clearly will never be completely understood. There are amazing facts associated with sleeping, beds, and the act in general.

 

  1. 6-7 Hours are Better than 8 — One study shows that those who sleep only six to seven hours of sleep, instead of the magic eight hours, will live longer. The study was done over 20 years ago but is still accurate. It showed that people who are able to sleep only six hours are likely to live up to six years longer, if not more. The reasons are still unclear, but the results are astounding. The Center for Applied Cognitive Studies reports that “studies show that the length of sleep is not what causes us to be refreshed upon waking. The key factor is the number of complete sleep cycles we enjoy.”

    photo credit: End of Level Boss via photopin cc

    photo credit: End of Level Boss via photopin cc

  2. Reason for Sleep is Unknown — While extensive studies have shown that humans cannot live without sleep, scientists are still unsure why sleep is needed. There are many speculations, but nothing that has been able to be proven by a sleep study. What is known is the fact that you become sleep deprived if you are unable to get to sleep. Sleep deprivation occurs if you are able to fall asleep faster than the normal ten-minute process.
  3. Fear of Sleep — It may sound odd, but there is a fear of sleeping. It is called somniphobia or hypnophobia, and is often a type of post-traumatic stress disorder. If something traumatic occurred the last time you were sleeping, or during the night, you may become afraid to go to sleep. This phobia can be very detrimental to your health because you are unable to get to sleep, and sometimes you cannot even talk about sleep. You may experience short, shallow breathing, feeling of panic, irregular heartbeats, and sweating. There are dozens of symptoms that one can suffer from, and the prescription medication can be extremely dangerous.
  4. Only What You Know — You can only dream about the faces you have already seen.  Many people worry about having a dream of face-less people, but this is completely normal. When you do dream of people with faces, but do not recognize them, it is because you cannot remember where you had met that person.
  5. Counting Sheep Does Not Work — Many have already figured this point out, but scientists announced it anyway. Counting sheep is not an effective way to fall asleep, but dreaming of a serene area is. Scientists say that any landscape that is calm and serene is the ideal choice.
  6. Lack of Sleep Equals Drunk Driving — When you begin to suffer severe sleep deprivation, you will suffer the same effects as someone who us drunk. Studies have shown that people who are up for 16 straight hours will have reflexes that are equivalent to a blood alcohol level of point five percent.
  7. Sleep Life Away — With all the sleep you will be getting, it is easy to see how you can sleep your life away. The average adult will spend 1/3 of their life sleeping, or roughly 25-years. This is why it is important that you have a comfortable bed, and clean sheets. It keeps you from getting aches and pains, and prevents infections.
photo credit: amirjina via photopin cc

photo credit: amirjina via photopin cc

Are you healthy when it come to sleep and your sleeping patterns?