10 Insane (But True) Things About Sleeping

We spend 8 hours per night sleeping–this amounts to about one-third of our lives. We all know how important it is to our health, yet, for many of us, we may have lingering questions regarding our sleep. Fortunately, researchers around the world are uncovering the truth behind some of sleep’s biggest mysteries, and the answers may shock you. Read on to find out if we can answer some of your sleep-related questions. 

1. Dreaming In Black and White Vs. Color 

Believe it or not, dreaming in color vs. dreaming in black and white may have something to do with the television and movies we consume. Research from the beginning of the 20th century shows that the majority of Americans were able to recall their dreams in color. However, by the middle of the 20th century, when black and white film, television, and newspapers were popular, research shows a spike in Americans’ who dreamed only in grayscale. This theory suggests that exposure to black and white media caused color to show up less frequently in our dreams. For those who grew up with black and white TV, their dreams remain more monochromatic as they age. Those who grew up with color TV are more likely to dream in color throughout their lives.

2. Twitching While Falling Asleep 

The slight twitching you may notice in your arms or legs as you fall asleep is called hypnic jerk. This jerking is an involuntary muscle twitch that happens as you transition from wakefulness to sleep. This transition is called the hypnogogic state. This can also be accompanied by the sensation of falling. Most believe that hypnic jerks are simply the nerves “misfiring” during the process of falling asleep. It is common and does not suggest that anything is amiss, but some research suggests that it can increase with stress, anxiety, and fatigue. 

3. Difficulty Getting Out Of Bed In The Morning 

At one time or another, we have all experienced the pain of getting out of bed. But did you know this could be a sign of something more serious? Dysania is a form of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and it makes it extremely hard to get going in the morning. Dysania may also signal a nutritional deficiency or depression.

4. Food Cravings and Sleep

Have you ever woke up from a power nap with an intense craving for junk food, particularly sugar? If the answer is yes, you’re not alone. One theory for this suggests that when you wake up from a nap with cravings for sugary foods, it is likely related to a glucose deficiency. When your blood sugar drops, you will feel sleepy during the day–which is likely why you needed a nap in the first place. Low blood sugar causes you to crave sugar to help boost the glucose in your blood. So, if you crave junk food after your nap, it is most likely a result of poor diet, rather than a lack of sleep. 

5. Higher Altitudes and Sleep

Higher altitudes, above 6,000 ft, can make it difficult to sleep. The reason for this is the reduced oxygen in the blood at higher sea levels. When we have less oxygen running through our blood, it causes unstable breathing patterns, and our bodies struggle to relax when we are trying to take in more oxygen. So the next time you go on vacation to a high altitude location, be sure to account for this difficulty.

6. Forgetting Our Dreams

We forget 50 percent of our dreams within 5 minutes of waking up. You may remember if the dream was scary or happy, but it is often difficult to pin down precisely what it was. Why? Some researchers suggest that it is due to the low amount of norepinephrine released during sleep. This neurotransmitter is essential for remembering. Without it, the brain activity during sleep becomes elusive. Also, electrical activity in the areas where long-term memory takes place, such as the prefrontal cortex, are less active when sleeping. Some dreams will leave a more significant impression on us than others, such as scary dreams, but that is because these impressions exist in an entirely different area of the brain. 

7. Sleeping With Eyes Open 

It’s true—some of us can sleep with our eyes open. This problem is called nocturnal lagophthalmos. People with this condition often have an issue with facial muscles, nerves, or the skin around the eyelids. The complication has caused the muscles that close the eyelid during sleep to weaken, forcing them to remain open. 

8. Delaying Sleep

We have many things in common with the animal kingdom, but one thing we don’t have in common is our ability to delay sleep. Humans are the only mammals that can put off rest. All other mammals must sleep when their bodies tell them. Humans are the only ones that can push past exhaustion to keep going. 

9. Sleep Positions and Personality  

You may not give much thought to the position that you sleep in each night, but experts now believe that your preferred sleep position says a lot about your personality. For example, those that sleep sprawled out over the bed, often called the “Starfish” position, are often eager to lend an ear and help out a friend. They don’t crave attention but don’t turn away from it either. 

10. Limitations and Dreams

Specific limitations can affect the way we dream. Research shows that those who are born blind experience dreams that revolve around emotion, sounds, and smell rather than sight. In turn, those who are born deaf will experience dreams that are heavily influenced by imagery rather than sound. It is also not uncommon for deaf individuals to sign during their sleep. 

Did we help answer any of your sleep-related questions? It’s tough to know everything about sleep, but the more you know, the more you will be able to find a better night’s sleep. 

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