Sleep Myths vs Facts
How long you sleep is all that matters.
Myth: The quality of sleep you get matters, you need to go through all the stages of sleep.
True or False: Using electronic devices before bed can disrupt sleep.
True
Lack of sleep can affect students’ ability to do well in what?
Tests, projects, participating in discussion or other class activities.
How many hours do teenagers need to sleep every night?
8-10
You eat spiders in your sleep.
Myth: Spiders are more likely to run away after encountering a human.
What should you avoid consuming right before bedtime for better sleep.
Drinking Caffeine
Name one cognitive function that is impaired when students do not get enough sleep.
What is memory, focus, or reaction time
What natural body hormone affects your ability to fall asleep?
Melatonin
Napping makes up for a lack of night time sleep.
Myth: You do not have enough time to go through all the stages of sleep in a nap. So you are now getting enough quality of sleep.
True or False: You should go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
True
How does chronic sleep deprivation affect a student’s ability to retain information learned in class?
Makes it more difficult to retain and recall information
Name 3 sleep disorders we discussed.
Insomnia, Sleep Apnea,“Restless Leg” Syndrome (RLS), Narcolepsy, Parasomnias -(Nightmares, Sleepwalking)
Getting too little sleep may impact weight.
Fact: When you don't get enough sleep, it drives leptin levels down, which means you don't feel as satisfied after you eat, and increases ghrelin levels, stimulating your appetite so you want more food. The two combined can set the stage for overeating, which in turn may lead to weight gain.
What kind of activities can help create a relaxing bedtime routine?
Reading, stretching, taking a warm bath, Dimming lights, ect.
Sleep affects reaction times. Why is this important for activities like physical education or school sports?
What is because slower reaction times can lead to poorer performance or increased risk of injury
True or False: Scientists believe that dreams occur in all stages of sleep.
false (dreams mostly occur during REM sleep)