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
The Cognitive Time Bomb Ticking in Senior Brains
Scientists just uncovered a hidden menace lurking in the brains of MANY seniors. Chances are, you’ve never even heard of it. Most folks haven’t. But it turns out this relatively unknown brain condition may be as much of a trigger for dementia as Alzheimer’s. In fact, it might be affecting you or your loved ones...
Sweet Cancer Breakthrough Creates a Buzz
That jar of honey in your pantry might be more than just a sweet treat. In fact, if it’s the right variety, it could be a secret weapon against one of the most common forms of cancer affecting women. (Can you even imagine a world in which fighting this killer could be as simple as...
EASY Morning Routine Fights Frailty
Think you don’t have a muscle loss problem? Think again! The fact is we ALL lose muscle mass as we age. It starts sometime in your 30s or 40s and ramps up in your senior years, between 65 and 80. In fact, you can lose up to eight percent of muscle mass every decade! This...
“Dirty Brain” Breakthrough Slashes Brain Disease Risk
Have you ever wondered why seniors are more prone to diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s? (And no, it’s not because we’re running out of room from storing decades-worth of information!) In truth, scientists have long suspected it’s related to the brain’s ability to clean itself. Now, groundbreaking research has revealed why this happens and a...
Tiny Troublemaker Ramps Up Arthritis Pain [5 Ways to Fight Back]
If you’re one of the millions living with rheumatoid arthritis, you might be surprised to learn that the key to managing your condition could be right under your nose—or, more precisely, in your mouth. Recent research from Tokyo Medical and Dental University uncovered a fascinating link between oral health and the severity of arthritis symptoms....
Evaluate Your Health with Five “Living Room” Tests
You don’t need a medical degree or expensive equipment to get a snapshot of your health. In fact, there are five simple tests you can do right now from the comfort of your own living room (or neighborhood) that will give you valuable insights into your overall fitness and well-being. Let’s take a look at...
How the War on Fat Is Harming Your Health
For decades, we’ve been taught to fear fat. Low-fat and fat-free products have been practically shoved down our throats. It’s been drilled into our heads that fat is enemy no. 1. But what if I told you that this fat phobia is likely doing far more harm than good? In fact, a “forgotten fat” could...
Mailbag: Diabetes Busting Solutions that WORK
“How do you eliminate diabetes and can supplements help?” – Seeking Solutions ***** Dear Seeking, Let’s first be sure we’re talking about the same thing: type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body can no longer produce insulin. It can be a challenging condition to manage. But if you...
Health Risks of Plant-Based Eating EXPOSED (Study)
You’ve seen the headlines. “Go vegan for your health!” “Plant-based is the way forward!” But before you ditch that steak for a veggie burger, there’s something you need to know… A shocking new study has uncovered a dirty little secret in the world of plant-based eating. And it might just make you think twice about...
Potent Extract Boosts Immune Function
Remember when CBD products were suddenly popping up everywhere, from trendy cafes to your local gas station? Well, while the initial craze has settled, this powerful compound is still making waves in the health world. And its latest trick could be a godsend for folks who need to beef up their immune system… A new...