Your Most Burning Questions About Sleep Finally Answered

Why do you forget your dreams when you wake up? How much time should it take to fall asleep? We’ve got answers!

Curious minds don’t rest when they have questions begging to be answered. That’s why we’ve put together a list of answers to the most curious sleep questions we get asked–along with a few that you may not have thought about. Yet.

From the best temperature for sleeping to why you drool when you sleep, this knowledge-packed post addresses issues large and small about sleep. We guarantee that you’ll be much better equipped with solid information about sleep by the end.  

Now for those burning sleep questions…

How much time should it take to fall asleep?

According to experts, the average person requires 10 to 20 minutes to fall asleep. If it’s less, it may be a sign that you’re sleep deprived. If it’s much more, it may be an indicator of insomnia. If you struggle to fall asleep, doctors recommend reading a book or doing a crossword until you feel tired. Don’t rush or stress – falling asleep isn’t something you can just “make” happen.

Why do I wake up with a wet patch on my pillow?

Drooling (or sialorrhea) while sleeping is quite common. It’s not your fault and it’s not caused by dreams of chocolate cake. Saliva can build up in your mouth and, because you’re lying flat, it doesn’t collect at the back of your throat, which would normally trigger a natural swallowing response. That cold wet spot on pillow is the result of saliva trickling out of the corner of your mouth. Unpleasant, yet harmless.

Why do I jolt myself awake just as I’m falling asleep?

They’re called myoclonic jerks and they’re a bit of a mystery. Experts aren’t exactly sure what causes them, but some believe that it’s a simple burst of brain energy that causes the body to shudder briefly just as you’re nodding off. There’s a theory that increased anxiety, a late-night cup of coffee or exercise too close to bedtime may increase the probably of them occurring.  

How bad is sleep deprivation really?

It’s bad. It disrupts pretty much every system of the body and robs you of the critical repairs that happen while you snooze. If you pull an all-nighter, either partying too hard or binge-watching Netflix, not sleeping for 16 hours causes most people to act like they’re legally drunk. Insufficient sleep also contributes to depression, weight gain, premature skin aging, heart disease, diabetes and even marital dissatisfaction, according to the Better Sleep Council. Even a sleep shortage of an hour can throw off your game. Remember how it feels when the clocks move ahead in the spring for daylight saving time?

When I wake up, why do I forget my dreams so quickly?

Depends who you ask. Psychiatrist Sigmund Freud thought that forgetting them was your mind’s way of protecting you from the repressed thoughts that fill your dreams. More likely, it’s because your mind gets busy and distracted with thoughts upon waking. You’re more concerned with what you’re going to wear to work that day and what you should pack for the kids’ lunches than why you dreamed about baking pumpkin pie for Napoleon and Marilyn Monroe. 

Does my sleep position really reveal things about my personality?

They do, according to scientists who study this kind of thing. There are 6 basic sleep positions, though almost 40% of us sleep curled up on our sides. Research says that these people may seem tough on the outside but are sensitive and even a bit shy. For those starfishers in the crowd – the type that sleep spread-eagled on their backs, you’re a good listener, make friends easily, but prefer not to be in the spotlight.

What’s the ideal temperature for sleeping at night?

Though there’s a part of us that likes to be snug and warm in bed, that’s not the most suitable for an uninterrupted night’s sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, the sweet temperature spot for sleep is somewhat cool, somewhere between 60-67 F (18-20C).

Will a full moon disrupt my sleep?

It sure does. Though you might not be howling at the moon, you may experience a more disrupted and shorter sleep (by about 20 minutes) and take a bit longer to get to sleep. The bad news is not that this occurs during the full moon itself and for a few days before and after the phase. Older adults are less affected by it, while younger ones (ages 20 to 31) feel it more, according to a study by the University of Basel in Switzerland.

Is there really a big difference between a cheap mattress and a more expensive one?

Yes! Like with all things, the cheapest mattress won’t stand up to nightly wear and tear – meaning sagging and discomfort will happen quicker. But that doesn’t mean you need the Cadillac of mattresses either.

Let’s be honest, your mattress doesn’t play a supporting role in your sleep – it’s the star of a great sleep environment. And to be the star, it needs to strike the right balance between softness and firmness, conformability and support. And it also needs to meet your unique sleep and individual preferences. Innerspring mattresses tend to be bouncier, but those with individual wrapped coils will reduce the bounce and partner disturbance during the night. If you prefer a firmer option, consider memory foam or maybe a latex mattress. And if you can’t decide between inner spring, latex or memory foam, take a closer look a hybrid mattress, which offers the best of all three components combined in one supportive mattress. 

When mattress shopping, pay close attention to how different mattresses feel when you lie in your preferred sleep position. Side sleepers tend to enjoy mattresses with innersprings or a slightly softer foam mattress. Stomach snoozers find their comfort zone on firmer latex or memory foam mattresses and back sleepers benefit from a mattress that’s right in the middle – not too soft, not too hard.

Rest well & wake up ready to go!

Better sleep gives rise to better mornings, bringing your goals into focus and dreams within reach. Hungry for more sleep info? Dig into these posts:

• Get your sleep (workout) routine on!
• Should you listen to your Mom and make your bed?
• Thanks for the memories – how sleep affects your brain