Experts call harmful tips for improving sleep

Sleep expert Wendy Troxel and neuropsychologist Julia Kogan say some popular sleep tips are unhelpful and even harmful. They named a list of such harmful recommendations in a conversation with Women's Health.

Experts called the rule about mandatory eight hours of sleep the biggest myth. They urged not to focus on this figure, since the individual norm may differ. In addition, one day of lack of sleep is unlikely to cause significant harm to your health.

Also, according to Kogan, most people misinterpret sleep hygiene advice. She clarified that blackout curtains, quiet in the bedroom and a digital detox before bed help to get better sleep, but do not cure insomnia and other sleep disorders. These problems are best treated with cognitive behavioral therapy.

Troxel added that dietary supplements for improving sleep, including the popular magnesium and melatonin, are also of dubious benefit. Another not-so-great thing for improving sleep, in her opinion, is sleep trackers. She believes that it is much safer to focus on your own feelings than on their indicators.