Life Kit Debunking sleep myths
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Sep 15, 2025 Rebecca Robbins, an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard, is a sleep scientist dedicated to unraveling sleep myths. She discusses how common misconceptions about sleep timing and duration can affect well-being, especially for shift workers. Robbins shares how natural sunlight influences melatonin and the importance of finding your ideal sleep duration. She also busts the myth that late-night workouts harm rest and offers practical bedtime strategies to reduce anxiety for a more peaceful night. Get ready to sleep smarter!
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Light Shapes Your Biological Clock
- Natural light drives our circadian rhythm by controlling melatonin secretion.
- Misaligned light exposure raises health risks for people on night or rotating shifts.
Practical Tips For Shift Workers
- Use thick blackout curtains and wear sunglasses after a night shift to reduce morning light exposure.
- Avoid food before sunrise and aim for consolidated sleep when you get home.
Quick Sleep Onset Is A Red Flag
- Falling asleep instantly often signals severe sleep deprivation, not superior sleep ability.
- Healthy sleepers typically take 15–20 minutes to fall asleep because sleep is a process.
