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 By Dr. Scott Olson, ND