Busting the 7 Most Common Sleep Myths

Wake up. Scroll. Work, eat, scroll. Sleep. Repeat.

Ever found yourself falling into these mind-numbing patterns? Social media is rife with misinformation, where uninformed "wellness experts" with outdated beliefs are quick to tell you how you should be sleeping, eating, and living. It's time to clear up some common myths being propagated around mattresses, materials, supplements, and sleep habits—and learn the science-backed truth about what actually works.

Myth 1: “Soft Beds = Luxury”

If you’ve ever sunk into a plush hotel bed, you might have thought: this is premium comfort. However, your spine may disagree. Softness doesn’t always mean support; a mattress that is too soft collapses under pressure, leading to spinal misalignment and an increase in morning stiffness. What you really need is adaptive support that keeps your spine neutral while offering pressure relief. In the long run, responsive foam layers, hybrid builds, or distributed pressure zones offer genuine comfort and essential support.

Myth 2: “Memory Foam Is the Best Mattress Material”

Memory foam is excellent for pressure relief and spinal support, but it has a significant drawback: it traps heat. Because it’s a densely packed substance that molds closely to your body, it restricts the release of body heat. Since your core body temperature naturally drops at night for optimal sleep, blocking this heat release can cause you to overheat, leading to tossing and turning and disrupted rest. Modern designs prioritize breathable foams, open-cell structures, hybrid builds, and zoned layers to ensure cooling alongside pressure relief.

Myth 3: “All Mattresses Work for Everyone”

This is completely false. Several factors dictate sleep comfort, including body weight, dominant sleep posture, joint health, and temperature sensitivity. It is never a one-size-fits-all solution. For instance, side sleepers need more pressure relief at the shoulders and hips to prevent joint pain, while back sleepers require firmer lumbar support to maintain the spine's natural curve. A zonal design, which provides tailored firmness levels for different parts of the body, offers an optimal, personalized solution.

Myth 4: “Melatonin Is Harmless — It’s Just a Sleep Vitamin”

“It’s safe”, “It’s natural”, “it’s the body’s natural sleep hormone”, right? Not quite. Melatonin is indeed a hormone that regulates the body’s sleep and wake cycles. While readily available as a supplement for jet lag or insomnia, it is not simply a "sleep vitamin." Long-term, non-prescribed melatonin use can potentially disrupt your body’s natural hormone production and could exacerbate sleep issues when you stop taking it. Recently, preliminary research presented at the American Heart Association (AHA, 2025) has suggested a possible link between long-term high-dose consumption and increased cardiovascular risk.

Myth 5: “If You Sleep 8 Hours, You’re Rested”

The total time spent in bed only counts if you are getting quality, restorative sleep. For true physical and mental recovery, your body must cycle through Deep Sleep (slow-wave stage) and the REM cycle. There are four main sleep stages, and your body moves through these cycles approximately four to six times per night (Sleep Foundation, 2024).

Factors like stress, high temperature, and poor mattress support can keep you stuck in light sleep, offsetting deep recovery and leading to morning fatigue, increased anxiety, and pain the next day. Deep recovery only occurs when the body feels safe, cool, and fully supported.

Myth 6: “Snoring Is Harmless”

While occasional light snoring is common, chronic or loud snoring is often a symptom of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Over time, this condition causes repeated breathing pauses that impact heart health and can lead to cognitive issues. Chronic OSA is dangerous and requires medical evaluation. However, good sleep hygiene is an excellent preventative measure in mild cases. Choosing a mattress with zonal support that encourages better spinal alignment can help maintain open airways and contribute to overall respiratory health during sleep.

Myth 7: “You Can Catch Up on Sleep Over the Weekend”

Social jet lag is a real thing; the term was first coined in 2006 by German scientist Till Roenneberg. It refers to a circadian misalignment, triggered when the body’s internal biological clock and circadian rhythms become confused and disrupted by your social schedule. A change in sleep patterns over the weekdays and weekends is a common cause. Sharp discrepancies can lead to physical and mental health issues, including an increased risk for higher insulin resistance, fatigue, and obesity. Consistency in your sleep-wake schedule is key to supporting a healthy circadian rhythm.

Real Recovery Starts with Proper Sleep

By giving your body the space to rest, recuperate, and refresh, you make a world of difference to your posture, health, and well-being. When choosing a mattress, here are the science-backed features to look out for:

Embrace Facts, Sleep Better

Not every trend is rooted in reality. Choose sleep solutions that are scientifically crafted to adapt to your body's architecture, regulate temperature, and sustain deep recovery. Comfort doesn't begin or end with softness; it's a long-term commitment to your physical and mental well-being.