Published Clips
Chad Neuman
American Fitness
March/April 2001
Getting the right amount of sleep is a big concern for many people. Health professionals are often asked questions concerning sleep, such as how much is enough and whether or not exercise can help you get it. According to Peter H. Walters, Ph.D., "Although 98% of Americans say that sleep is very important, most Americans have a limited knowledge of basic sleep facts and many have incorrect information."
For example, many wonder if exercise helps one sleep better. This is, in fact, true. Studies have shown that individuals who exercise fall asleep faster (from 30 to 15 minutes) and sleep better (Stanford Center). Also, people who exercise on a regular basis do not need more sleep (Walters, 19).
Another question often asked is whether or not one "can learn to function normally with one or two fewer hours of sleep a night" than is normally recommended. This is not true. According to Walters, "an individual's sleep need is genetically determined." One can teach him or herself to function on less sleep, but in order to function properly, the right amount of sleep is needed (Walters, 18).
The most common assumption concerning sleep is that every person needs eight hours of sleep a day. However, each person needs a different amount of sleep. Eight hours is the statistical average of the number of hours needed (Walters, 19).
Many times people may want to rest without losing consciousness. Simply resting with one's "eyes closed cannot satisfy [one's] need for sleep." The REM and four accompanying stages of sleep are needed for real rest (Walters, 18). Another mistaken assumption is that snoring is harmless. In fact, snoring, a sleep disorder afflicting about 30 million Americans, is actually the primary "indicator of ... obstructive sleep apnea" (Walters, 18).
Others believe that turning up the volume on the car radio helps one stay conscious when driving late at night. On the contrary, turning the radio up, opening the windows and chewing gum do not help prevent the dangers of drowsy driving. According to Walters, "prevention strategies, such as getting adequate sleep before driving for extended periods, traveling with someone who can share driving responsibilities and taking a short break every 100 miles or two hours, can prevent drowsiness from becoming dangerous" (Walters, 19).
Clients may ask a health professional if age affects the amount of sleep one needs. Actually, "although there may be a slight decline in some aging individuals, the average person's sleep needs remain fairly constant from early adulthood into old age." Older people may get more naps during the day and sleep less at night, but this adds up to the same amount of time they slept when they were younger (Walters, 19).
Sources:
* Walters, Peter H. "Sleep Facts." ACSM's Health and Fitness Journal.
November/December 2000.
* Can Regular Physical Activity Improve Quality of Sleep in Older Adults?
Stanford, CA: Stanford Center for Research in Disease Prevention, 1994.
