Not only is a good night’s sleep one of the most valuable things you can do for your health and longevity, but also getting a good night’s sleep is paramount to erasing the day’s accumulated stress. Sleep IQ can refer to a measure of how well you rest and includes the number of hours of restful sleep versus the number of hours of restless sleep or time out of bed each night. This definition of Sleep IQ also includes how long it takes you to fall asleep, your average heart rate and your average number of breaths per minute.
A different definition of Sleep IQ refers to how much you know about how to get a good night’s sleep. Many clinicians make a point of asking clients about their sleep and ability to rest. Some psychologists actually work with their clients on sleep hygiene. The following Sleep IQ Quiz is offered to refresh us all on some of the important misconceptions about sleep and how to get the best night’s sleep.
True or False?
- Sleep deprivation can make you fat.
- You can compensate for a night of bad sleep by hitting the snooze button and sleeping a little late in the morning.
- We can make up for lost sleep by going to bed extra early another night.
- Most people don’t need a full 8 hours of sleep each night.
- Sleeping pills mask sleep problems and do not resolve the underlying cause of insomnia.
- A typical cause of trouble falling asleep is when your mind just won’t stop talking.
- A little alcohol can help you fall asleep and sleep well.
- If you can’t fall asleep within 30-45 minutes, stick it out a little longer.
- Often just thinking about sleep affects your ability to fall asleep.
- Sleeping just one hour less a night can prevent you from learning or functioning normally.
[Answers: 1-T, 2-F, 3-F, 4-F, 5-T, 6-T, 7-F, 8-F, 9-T, 10-T]
If you scored 9 or 10 out of 10, you are a “sleep genius.” Congratulations and don’t forget to get your full 8 hours of sleep.
Stress Solutions
by Susan Andrews, PhD
The Psychology Times, February 2015
Dr. Susan Andrews, Clinical Neuropsychologist, is currently Clinical Assistant Professor, LSU Health Sciences Center, Department of Medicine and Psychiatry, engaged in a Phase III study on HBOT and Persistent PostConcussion Syndrome. In addition to private clinical practice, Dr. Andrews is an award-winning author of Stress Solutions for Pregnant Moms (2013).