Source: NYU Langone Health / NYU School of Medicine
People often say they can get by on five or fewer hours of sleep, that snoring is harmless, and that having a drink helps you to fall asleep. These are, in fact, among the most widely held myths about sleeping that not only shape poor habits, but may also pose a significant public health threat.
The claim by some people that they can get by on five hours of sleep was among the top myths researchers were able to dispel based on scientific evidence. They say this myth also poses the most serious risk to health from long-term sleep deficits.
Another common myth relates to snoring. And while snoring can be harmless, it can also be a sign of sleep apnea, a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing starts and stops over the course of the night.
Despite beliefs to the contrary, drinking alcoholic beverages before bed is indeed unhealthy for sleep
According to experts, alcohol reduces the body's ability to achieve deep sleep, which people need to function properly.