Can't sleep well? Here are 5 myths about insomnia

An interrupted sleep cycle could have various impacts on your body, including fatigue and stress. — Eisai

Insomnia – a sleep disorder characterised by the inability to fall or stay asleep – affects millions of people worldwide.

For some, it can become a chronic condition that significantly impacts their daily lives.

According to a 2008 study published in the Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health, approximately one in three Malaysians suffer from symptoms of insomnia.

Insomnia can manifest in different ways, such as difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently during the night, waking up too early in the morning, or feeling tired and unrefreshed after sleep.

Despite its frequency, insomnia is an often misunderstood disorder, especially when it comes to differentiating between between insomnia and poor sleep.

Insomnia is a sleep disorder, while poor sleep may just be a symptom of underlying mental and physical health problems.

A comprehensive physical exam and an overnight sleep test could be all that stands between you and the rest you need.

That is why it’s important not to let common myths about insomnia keep you up at night while coping with the condition.

Here are five common myths about insomnia:

Myth #1: How long you sleep is all that matters

Many people with insomnia are fixated on the idea of getting eight hours of sleep, which can create additional stress and hinder their ability to fall asleep.

However, the truth is that the ideal amount of sleep varies from person to person, and it's not just about the quantity of sleep, but also the quality.

Good sleep quality means having uninterrupted and continuous sleep.

By improving sleep quality, you can help reduce stress and anxiety, which are significant contributors to insomnia.

It's important to prioritise healthy sleep habits and find what works best for you to ensure that you get the quality and quantity of sleep your body needs to function at its best.

Myth #2: Alcohol can help you sleep if you have insomnia

The idea that alcohol can aid sleep is a popular misconception that many people with insomnia believe.

While alcohol may induce drowsiness and help you fall asleep initially, it can ultimately disrupt the quality of your sleep.

Consuming alcohol before bedtime can make it less likely that you will experience deep, restful sleep, and more likely that you will wake up frequently during the night.

This, in turn, can result in a groggy feeling the following day and exacerbate the cycle of insomnia.

Therefore, it is best to avoid alcohol consumption before bedtime, as it can do more harm than good when it comes to achieving quality, restful sleep.

Myth #3: There’s nothing you can do about insomnia

Insomnia can be a frustrating and disruptive medical condition that affects an individual’s ability to fall or stay asleep.

That said, the idea that nothing can be done to address it is simply a myth.

There are many evidence-based treatments, including prescription medicine, that can help to alleviate insomnia symptoms and improve sleep quality.

For example, a 2013 study published in the journal Frontiers in Endocrinology found that a neuropeptide called orexin plays a major role in regulating wakefulness and modulating the sleep-wake cycle.

A dual orexin receptor antagonist can be one potential treatment option that works by blocking the orexin system in the brain.

Myth #4: Insomnia is a normal part of ageing.

Many people believe that insomnia is an inevitable aspect of ageing, but this is a myth!

While it’s true that sleep patterns can change as we get older, insomnia is not an inherent part of the ageing process.

Believing this myth may lead to poor work performance, increased risk of accidents, and even compromise your physical and mental well-being.

It is crucial to address sleep problems, especially in older adults, as they can have serious consequences on health and quality of life.

While it’s possible to learn to cope with less sleep, it’s impossible to train your body to need less sleep.

Therefore, it’s important to address sleep issues in older adults and seek appropriate treatment to ensure they get the restful sleep they need for optimal health and well-being.

Myth #5: All treatments for insomnia work the same.

This is not entirely true nor accurate.

While some treatments may share certain similarities, there are significant differences between the various classes of treatments used to manage insomnia.

For instance, both benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics like zoleplon and zolpidem (also known as z-drugs), activate and promote the sleep-signalling pathway in the brain, while orexin receptor antagonists block the wakefulness pathway.

However, it is important to note that different individuals may respond differently to various treatments; as such there is no one-size-fits-all solution for insomnia and not all treatments work equally well for everyone

In conclusion, understanding the truth about insomnia and its treatment is crucial for improving sleep quality and overall health.

If you suspect that you may have insomnia, it is essential to seek help from a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.

Don’t let the myths surrounding insomnia prevent you from taking action and achieving the restful sleep you deserve.