Mailbag: Ditch the “8 Straight” Sleep Myth
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted September 17, 2024
“I have a problem sleeping, mainly waking up in the middle of the night, and having trouble going back to sleep.”
Awake Again
Hi Awake,
You’re not alone. Millions find themselves staring at the ceiling in the wee hours, desperately willing sleep to come.
Countless folks are convinced they’re doing something wrong when they repeatedly wake up in the middle of the night.
But what if I told you this “problem” might not BE a problem?
Brace yourself because we’re about to turn everything you thought you knew about sleep upside down.
Recent studies reveal that between ONE-THIRD and ONE-HALF of all adults regularly wake up in the middle of the night.
That’s right, up to 50 percent of us are night wakers. Does that mean we’re all doing something wrong?
The answer might surprise you.
If you could dust off a bunch of 200-year-old diaries and read them, you’d discover something interesting…
Our ancestors would write about “first sleep” and “second sleep” as if it were the most natural thing in the world!
Because for them, it WAS.
Our ancestors didn’t see waking up at night as a problem. They used this time to read, pray, or even have sex. Then, they’d simply drift off into their “second sleep.”
Mind-blowing, right?
So, if you’re a chronic night waker, it might be time to flip the script. Instead of fighting it, why not embrace and plan for it?
If you know you’ll be up for a while during the night, let go of the “eight straight” myth and adjust your schedule. That might mean staying in bed for 10 hours to account for your wakeful periods.
This approach won’t work for everyone, but it could be a game-changer for many chronic night wakers. It’s about working with your body’s natural rhythms, not against them.
If you’re not ready to completely revolutionize your sleep schedule, there are still steps you can take to improve your sleep quality.
I often recommend my own patients try the following:
- Embrace the calm: Try soothing herbs like chamomile or valerian root. A warm cup of herbal tea before bed could be just what the doctor ordered.
- Focus on magnesium: This mineral is a sleep superstar. Found in foods like nuts, seeds, and leafy greens, it can help relax your body and mind.
- Sleepy-time rituals: Good sleep hygiene is crucial. Create a bedtime routine, keep your bedroom cool and dark, and limit screen time before bed.
- Mindful moments: If you wake up, try gentle breathing exercises or meditation to ease yourself back to sleep.
Remember, the goal isn’t to never wake up at night. It’s to feel rested and refreshed in the morning, whether you slept straight through or had a midnight interlude.
So, the next time you find yourself wide awake at 2 AM, take a deep breath. You’re not broken. You might just be following in the footsteps of your ancestors, embracing the natural rhythm of first and second sleep.
Sweet dreams… twice!
P.S. Simple light trick unlocks better sleep and mood.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Discover How Gut Bugs Shape Your Brain Health
We’ve all experienced an intuitive “gut feeling” before. But what if I told you your gut is doing FAR more than just sending you hunches? A new study has uncovered a fascinating link between the bacteria in your digestive system and your brain health. It might just change everything we thought we knew about preventing...
Build a Stronger Immune System at Any Age
As we age our immune systems need a little extra TLC to keep us healthy and strong. But don’t worry, boosting your immunity doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, some of the best immune-boosting strategies are simple habits you can incorporate into your daily routine. So, let’s dive into some tried-and-true tips...
Natural Solutions to Snoring
Regardless of whether you’re the snorer or the unfortunate bedmate, snoring is a source of stress for countless couples. The endless, rhythmic, sawing sounds can disrupt the rest of even the deepest sleepers. But before you resort to earplugs or separate bedrooms, let’s explore some natural ways to tackle snoring. Snoring isn’t just annoying. It...
Shedding New Light on Depression with this “Sunlight” Hack
You’ve likely heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This form of the blues hits as the leaves fall and the days grow shorter. Well, new research reveals that the same therapy that helps many folks battling SAD feel better could be a ray of hope for those fighting other types of depression, too. Here’s what...
Mailbag: Reverse Atherosclerosis Naturally? Science Says Yes—Here's How
“What actually reverses heart clogging?” -Heartfelt Hi Heartfelt, I have good news. We used to think reversing arterial plaque buildup or “heart clogging” was impossible, but now we know better. When my own patients ask me about atherosclerosis (the medical term for clogged arteries), I explain that—while complete reversal can be challenging—research confirms that specific...
Study Pinpoints Foods That Send Disease Risk Soaring
We’ve all heard that old saying, “You are what you eat.” Well, it’s been around for so long because it’s true. And it turns out your dinner plate could secretly stoke the fires of disease in your body. A new study revealed a shocking truth about the American diet. This time it’s not about calories...
Feast Without Fear of Packing on the Pounds
With all the festive feasts and indulgent treats this holiday season, many of us are already bracing for the inevitable battle of the bulge. But is holiday weight gain really as unavoidable as we think? Let’s unwrap the truth behind this seasonal struggle (pun intended). And I’ll share some simple strategies to keep those extra...
PLAY Your Way to Better Brain Health!?
Are you convinced video games are just for kids? Well, think again! A remarkable new study suggests that playing the RIGHT kinds of games could help turn back the clock on your brain, improving cognitive performance, memory, and more. The best part? You probably already have everything you need to get started—right in your pocket…...
'Tis the Season for A Tumultuous Tummy?
The holiday season is in full swing! And you know what that means… lots of festive food, drinks, and—indigestion. But you don’t have to let a bubbly gut crash YOUR Christmas party. I’ll share some simple hacks to help you keep the festivities going… The holidays are brimming with celebrations and plenty of rich food...
These Morning Rituals WILL Change Your Life
We’ve all heard the saying, “The early bird catches the worm.” But what if the early bird could do more than just catch a worm? What if those first few hours of the morning could set you up for success, improve your health, and boost your overall well-being? Welcome to the world of transformative morning...