11 Disturbing And Interesting Urban Myths About Sleep

Proving or debunking interesting urban myths about sleep may help you rest easier, especially if you learn that your worst sleep fears aren’t true. Movies, TV shows, books and the internet have all popularized horror stories that were derived from misconceptions and disturbing myths about sleep. Common misconceptions include methods that will help you fall asleep, how long you need to sleep, catching up on sleep and what happens while you sleep.

Sleep studies have debunked some commonly held misconceptions and urban myths about sleep. Others have been disproven as the original source was tracked, including the number of spiders we consume while sleeping. Many were originally conceived decades or even centuries ago before people had access to much information and may have been formed from one happenstance which slightly changed with each telling.

Whatever the original source and occurrence, these legends have grown over the years, with some becoming almost comical. Others, such as the correlation between hypnagogic hallucinations and sleep paralysis can be absolutely terrifying. The following are a collection of commonly held sleep beliefs:

1. Old Hag Syndrome
Nearly 40% of the population has experienced at least one episode of this mysterious condition wherein they believe they are awake, but unable to move. Old legends around the world attributed this phenomenon to an “old hag”, incubus or other evil entity holding a victim down or sitting on their chest. This is when the terror begins as people feel trapped, and may even see visions of demons and other apparitions. Books throughout the ages have recounted these tales and are the basis for many of our best horror stories (the word nightmare itself comes from this phenomena!).
Modern science calls this sleep paralysis, a disorder where the muscles are still paralyzed by chemicals that induce sleep, but the mind is partially awake (typically lasting seconds). The unexplained visions and sounds are referred to as hypnagogic hallucinations. Possible links between sleep deprivation, irregular schedules, stress, and narcolepsy have been identified.
2. Count Sheep to Sleep
According to Oxford research, counting sheep to fall asleep keeps insomniacs awake longer. Picturing calm scenery helped study participants sleep 20 minutes sooner. Listening to relaxing sounds may also be a better way to encourage sleep.

3. Possible Death in Falling Dreams
Falling dreams or that sensation of plummeting can be very startling for most people. However, you won’t die in real life if you hit the ground during a dream where you are falling. Dream interpreters often believe a falling dream represents a feeling of loss or failing to follow your best path in life, or perhaps extreme anxiety.

4. If Die in a Dream, You’ll Really Die
Whether falling or being chased by zombies, if you die in a dream you will still wake up, rather than dying in real life. This is a common old wives tale, perpetuated in the media by sources like The Twilight Zone show and Nightmare on Elm Street movies.

5. You Eat 8 Spiders Per Year
Many of us have heard a specific number, usually between 8 and 12, of the number of spiders we inhale or eat during our sleep per year. Fortunately this is a made-up story that was originated simply to show how rumors spread, by columnist List Holst.

6. Turkey Makes You Sleepy
Turkey, chicken, milk, beans and beef all contain tryptophan, which has been associated with sleep. However, this amino acid is negated when introduced to the stomach with protein (aka turkey) and amounts larger than normal serving sizes would be required for affect. Researchers believe the post-thanksgiving sleep fest has more to do with carbohydrate overload and alcohol.

7. You Must Sleep a Solid 8 Hours
Sleep requirements vary from person to person. Most adults require approximately 8 hours of sleep per night, including the elderly. Children and teens need even more (some suggest 10 hours), although teens are often on the run and are sleep deprived. An extremely small percentage of the population, less than 5%, seems to have a gene that allows them to rejuvenate with significantly less. One commonly held myth is that the older we get the less sleep we need. The truth is we will still need at least the same amount of rest; it is just more difficult to get.
A solid 8 hours of sleep may not be natural according to a variety of studies which showed that most people experience two shorter sleeping bouts when allowed to sleep according to their natural cycle. The first is generally longer, followed by a short period of being awake, then a few more hours of sleep. Interestingly enough, many of our ancestors slept on similar schedules before electricity since there was little to do at night. If you experience this, try reading or another non-stimulating activity during the waking cycle and turn in to bed earlier to compensate.

8. You Can Make Up for Lost Sleep on Sunday
The idea that we can get by on a few hours all week and sleep longer on the weekend is certainly comforting. However, making up for sleep loss over the weekend isn’t as beneficial as you might think. A study from Division of Sleep Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital found chronic sleep loss impairs performance, and that it can be difficult to recoup and return to normal, requiring more than just one night of long sleep. It also throws of your routine and can make waking up Monday all the more difficult. Keeping regular hours with enough daily rest is considerably more important for overall health.

9. Eating Before Bed Causes Nightmares
Everyone’s mother has some purported food that would cause nightmares if eaten before bed, from pickles to cheese. Even Scrooge attributed his hallucinations to ingested food at first. Actual scientific research is mixed, but some studies show that eating before bed increases metabolism, which increases brain activity during sleep. While not an explicit link to nightmares, it may be best to keep snacking to a minimum before bed if you notice a change, or if you suffer from acid reflux or indigestion.

10. Nightcaps Help You Sleep
An interesting urban myth about sleep is that having a drink or two before bed will help you sleep better. Studies have shown that while they may help you fall asleep initially, after a few hours you will not receive quality sleep and will be more likely to wake up.

11. Never Wake Up a Sleepwalker
According to popular knowledge, waking a sleepwalker could cause them emotional damage or even kill the person from shock. However while being awakened may be stressful and little disorienting (as it can be for any sleeper), it will not kill or maim the individual, however it could provoke a violent reaction. Experts recommend gently guiding the person back to bed. If it is necessary to awake the person to prevent imminent danger, then it is suggested to use a loud noise rather than physical contact in case they strike out in surprise.

Dreams, night terrors, sleepwalking and other bizarre episodes are associated with the different levels of sleep and have caused interesting urban myths about sleep. The ability to fall asleep according to a set cycle and receive enough rest nightly is a luxury not everyone is able to experience. Practicing good sleep hygiene with authentic natural sleeping material, a dark room, and limited distractions to create a peaceful area where rest will come naturally. And, you can rest easier now that you know many myths about sleep scares are simply untrue.