When it comes to sleep, there are many myths involved.

You’ve heard a few, we’re sure, but we’d like to put some of them to rest. It’s always good to have all the facts on the table, as it is, and know what it is you need to know about getting a good night’s sleep.

Myth: As you get older, you need less sleep.

False: It’s recommended that you get a total of seven to nine hours of sleep a night as an adult. While your sleep patterns may change, this recommendation does not. While it may become more difficult to sleep restfully through the night as you get older, you need for sleep does not change, and quit often is supplemented by napping. For more information, check out this article.

Myth: Snoring is not harmful.

Fact: Snoring can, in fact, be a sign of medical problems. The biggest problem can be sleep apnea, which is a major breathing problem that can increase the risk of heart problems if not treated. It can also be a problem with allergies or hypertension. If you snore frequently and loudly, you should probably see a doctor to make sure you aren’t having medical problems. More information can be found at sleepeducation.org.

Myth: Sleeping on your stomach aides digestion.

Fact: Sleeping positions have very little to do with digestion unless you have an issue with acid reflux and heartburn. Even then, it isn’t recommended that you sleep on your stomach, but to sleep with your head elevated. Sleeping on your left side can also aid with heartburn, but it’s recommended you see a doctor if this is a problem. As for aiding your digestion by sleeping on your stomach, this just hasn’t been proven. (For those suffering from back problems, stomach sleeping is discouraged, as it puts too much strain on your back and neck.) More information about the benefits of specific sleeping positions can be found here.

While there are many more myths involving sleep, we hope we’ve cleared up at least these three. Perhaps at some other point we’ll cover some more myths about sleep and the facts behind them.