The 5 Better Sleep Myths With Nahid de Belgeonne
We all need to sleep better. So many of us have practised habits that keep us from the sleep we could be attaining. We wanted to better our sleep post the day of sleep which was marked on 15th March so we reached out to Nahid de Belgeonne to debunk to the five sleep myths.
Nahid was the founder of Good Vibes which launched back in 2006 and was successfully sold in 2019. She began her early career as a creative entrepreneur and an expert computer coder before she moved into health and wellbeing to help lead Londoners into a new era of ‘lifestyle fitness’. At present she has trained with some of the world’s leading teachers including Michael Stone and Judith Hanson Lasater and a 4-year training programme in Feldenkrais, an educational method focusing on a heightened awareness of movement which can increase vitality, improve flexibility, posture, and balance. On 21st March her first book “Soothe” the book your nervous system has been longing for was published.
Who better than to speak to about better sleep? This is what she had to say…
Sleep Tight: Debunking 5 Myths
We all know sleep is important, but between busy schedules and the allure of late-night screens, prioritizing those precious Zzz’s can be a challenge. Worse yet, misinformation about sleep can further derail our efforts.
Here are 5 common myths dismantled:
Myth #1: You can catch up on lost sleep over the weekend.
Fact: Sleep debt is a real thing, and binge sleeping won’t erase the consequences. Chronic sleep deprivation can impair cognitive function, weaken the immune system, and increase the risk of chronic diseases.
Myth #2: A little sleep deprivation isn’t a big deal.
Fact: Even a single night of poor sleep can significantly impact your brain function. Studies have shown that one night of sleep deprivation can mimic the cognitive impairment of being legally drunk.
Myth #3: You don’t need as much sleep as you get older.
Fact: While sleep patterns change with age, adults still require 7-9 hours of sleep per night for optimal health. Seniors who get enough sleep experience better cognitive function, mood regulation, and physical health.
Myth #4: Napping doesn’t count as real sleep.
Fact: Power naps (20-30 minutes) can be incredibly beneficial for boosting alertness, memory, and cognitive function. However, longer naps can disrupt your nighttime sleep cycle, so be mindful of the duration.
Myth #5: Alcohol helps you sleep.
Fact: While alcohol may induce drowsiness initially, it disrupts deep sleep stages crucial for memory consolidation and physical repair. You might wake up feeling groggy and unrested after an alcohol-induced sleep.
Prioritise sleep for a healthier and happier life. Remember, sleep is not a luxury – it’s a biological necessity. So switch off the screens, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and aim for those 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Your mind and body will thank you for it.
Want to learn more? Nahid de Belgeonne, Somatic Movement Educator and Author of Soothe, the book your nervous system has been longing for, runs day, weekend and week long retreats as well as an online clinic specialising in chronic stress, anxiety, burnout and trauma issues.
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