Sleep myths docs want you to stop believing before they harm you

We live in a productivity-obsessed world where hustle is glorified, and sleep often becomes the first thing sacrificed. But sleep isn't just rest—it's restoration.

- BARKHA MATHUR

From late-night scrolling to weekend sleep binges, countless myths around sleep continue to circulate, and believing them could be silently damaging your physical and mental health. So, how much of what we believe about sleep is true?

Myth: Can you function well on just 4 or 5 hours of sleep a night?

Fact: Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep for optimal health. While rare "short sleepers" do exist due to genetic variation, the vast majority cannot adapt to chronic sleep deprivation without consequences — from poor brain function to weakened immunity, and heart risk. Feeling 'fine' doesn't mean your body isn't silently suffering.

Myth: Does sleeping in on weekends make up for weekday sleep loss?

Fact: You can't fully repay 'sleep debt.' According to Dr Vikas Mittal, director —pulmonologist, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, erratic sleep schedules disrupt the circadian rhythm and worsen fatigue, mood, and metabolism. Consistency, not compensation, is the key to healthy rest.

Myth: If you're not sleepy, are you getting enough rest?