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
One Move Adds 5 YEARS to Your Life
Believe it or not, the fountain of youth might be closer than you think… A groundbreaking study reveals that a simple activity you’ve been doing since you were a toddler could add YEARS to your life. And the best part? It won’t cost you a dime… New research published in the British Journal of Sports...
Walking Trick Reveals Your Fitness Level
We count on doctors to tell us how healthy we are. They take our blood pressure, listen to our hearts, and send us out for blood work to get the answer. But there’s something else you can do anytime you want to know your fitness level: walk a mile. That’s right, this simple activity you...
This Diet Trick Could Protect Your Brain for LIFE
You know the saying, “You are what you eat”? Well, when it comes to your brain, it’s more accurate than you think… New research suggests that a Mediterranean diet—an ancient way of eating that prioritizes whole, nutrient-dense foods—may protect your brain’s white matter. And that’s a big deal because white matter is critical in keeping...
Mailbag: The REAL Reason You Can’t Lose Weight
“Why can’t I lose 10 pounds? I tried many versions of diets. Low Carb, intermittent fasting, etc.” Struggling to Slim Down Dear Struggling, Losing weight, especially when we’re past our 20s, can be frustrating. A muscle mass issue is most likely the culprit behind those struggles to slim down. You see, as we age, we...
Can Eating at the RIGHT Time Protect You from Diabetes?
When it comes to managing your health, when you eat may be just as important as what you eat. Now, a growing body of research shows that time-restricted eating (TRE), or intermittent fasting, may improve several markers of health… Particularly for people with metabolic syndrome. Before we dive into the benefits of time-restricted eating, let’s...
Could This Gut Bug Help Curb Your Sweet Tooth?
Yesterday, I warned you about the devastating health impact of sugary drinks (if you missed that, CLICK HERE to catch up). Well, in honor of Groundhog’s Day, I will to talk about sugar AGAIN today. Because if you’ve ever found yourself unable to resist that second (or third) cookie, you’re not alone. Our bodies are...
Sugary Drinks Fuel a Global Health Crisis
I don’t need to tell you that sugary drinks are the opposite of a health food. However, new research reveals just how harmful they really are. In fact, millions are being affected in disturbing ways that might shock you… A disturbing new study published in Nature Medicine has uncovered the devastating toll of sugar-sweetened beverages....
The Cancer-Fighting Superstar in Your Kitchen
Believe it or not, a health hero could be hiding in plain sight in your pantry right now. According to exciting new research, ordinary red onions are far more than just flavor boosters for your favorite soups, salads, and Mediterranean-inspired meals. Scientists uncovered evidence that this humble vegetable is packing some serious cancer-fighting power… The...
Small Moves for BIG Benefits (An Exercise Surprise!)
A patient asked me the other day, “What’s the least amount of exercise I can get by with that still has benefits?” That’s actually a great question. Because, let’s face it, many of us struggle to find time for exercise. And even more of us go out of our way to AVOID it. So, my...
Widespread “Forever” Chemicals Boost Cancer Risk?!
We’ve known for years that the chemicals lurking in many everyday products aren’t as harmless as we once believed… However, new research reveals an unsettling truth about one specific group of compounds that could be flowing straight from your tap into your waterglass. And according to a new study, they could be raising your cancer...