Sleep – many of us take it for granted going to bed and waking up at a similar time every night and morning. For some though, it can be more troublesome with bouts of insomnia, struggling to get comfortable and generally just not getting the amount of sleep that you should. Let’s take a look at some interesting sleep facts, some which may explain a few things and others that we have thrown in for fun.
While most of us yearn for a night of sleep where we don’t wake up and then struggle to get back to sleep, in the 17th century getting up in the middle of the night was a normal activity. People actually slept in two parts at night. This was divided by an hour, even two of time to read, pray, be intimate or socialise with others.
Apparently, and according to research, it is believed that in the days leading up to a full moon, people actually go to bed later. Not only this but they sleep less. The reasons for this are unclear.
Here’s an interesting one and a fact that some of you may nod your head at in appreciation! If it takes you less than five minutes to fall asleep when you go to bed at night, it’s a sign that you are sleep deprived. In actual fact, it should take you around 10-15 minutes to fall asleep
For many people, tiredness can peak twice a day. This is usually around 2am and 2pm. If you find that you are sleepy, or drowsy after lunch, this will explain it.
Ever wondered how the dog or cat can just fall asleep anywhere and at any time? Imagine if we did the same. We are the only mammals that actually delay sleep.
If you go without sleep, it is likely to make you hungry. This is because your levels of leptin which is an appetite regulating hormone fall. Sleep more – eat less!
While regular exercise will usually improve peoples’ patterns, if you exercise strenuously at night, it may keep you awake. For runners that race later in the evening, this will explain why you can’t get to sleep.
Before the days of colour television we were more likely to dream in black and white with just 15% thought to dream in colour. Now, that has reversed with around 12% of people dreaming in black and white and 75% of us dreaming in colour.
Male and female circadian rhythms vary slightly. This translates to men feeling less tired in the evening with women more prone to waking up earlier.
A hardworking immune system needs you to sleep to be able to function at its optimum level. This is especially important during flu season when your body is working hard to ward off illness.
That’s a lot of people wondering around in their sleep. According the National Sleep Foundation, 15% of the population actually sleepwalk. You can wake someone if they are found to be sleepwalking.
Time for a cute fact… did you know that Sea Otters actually hold hands when they are asleep. This is so they don’t drift away from each other while they are sleeping. Who just thought ‘ah’?
We like this fact! A new bed can increase the amount of sleep you get. Of course it can! The Sleep Council suggest that you can get an extra 42 minutes of sleep when you trade in your old bed for a new one. What are you waiting for?
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