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20 Interesting Facts You Never Knew About Sleeping

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How does it feel to know that for 6 to 8 hours every day, you shut down your brain and are in a state of semi-consciousness?

Most of what mankind knows about sleep and sleeping patterns has been discovered during the last quarter of a century.

We knew very little about sleep in the time before that, but it is fair to say that researchers have almost made up for that through recent studies that have taught us things beyond our dreams.

In this guide, we introduce 20 interesting facts about sleep that you probably never knew.

20 Interesting Facts You Never Knew About Sleeping

1. More Than 10 Percent of People Dream in Black and White

Are your dreams vivid or vague? Black and white or colored? If you dream in black and white, then you have dreams similar to what around 12 percent of most humans have. Ever since the advent of colored television, most humans have started dreaming in color.

2. A Cat Spends 2/3 of Its life Sleeping

No cat owner would be surprised at this information. Every comfortable spot is a bed for them, and they don’t mind dozing off for a massive part of the day.

3. A Typical Human Spends 1/3 of Her Life Sleeping

We might not sleep as much as cats, but boy we do sleep a lot as well. A typical human would spend 33 percent of their life sleeping. How does that make you feel?

4. 11 Days Is the Record for Longest Period Without Sleeping

There is a reason our body needs sleep, and there is a reason why we cannot deprive it of that right. The record for the longest period spent without sleeping is 11 days. People have died trying to stay awake for too long, which is why you shouldn’t pull such maneuvers at home.

5. Deaf People Use Sign Language in Sleep

Many of us talk while we are sleeping. Similarly, deaf people communicate in sign language during their sleep. It does present a scary sight, but it is what it is.

6. Dysania Is a Thing

Your inability to get out of bed in the morning is a thing and is categorized as Dysania. People suffering from it like to remain sleeping in their cozy mattresses, without budging at all.

20 Interesting Facts You Never Knew About Sleeping

7. Parasomnia Is a Thing

Have you ever found yourself sleep-walking? Well, that is a condition called parasomnia.

The severity of parasomnia can vary from case to case. Some people have also committed murder during their sleep.

8. Body Jerking While Sleeping? That's Called ‘Hypnic Jerk'

When was the last time you felt you were about to fall off while half-sleep?

These jerks are called hypnic jerks and are linked with increased anxiety and the use of caffeine before sleeping.

9. 15 Percent of Humans Sleepwalk

Around 15 percent of all humans are known to walk in their sleep. There is a popular myth that you shouldn’t wake someone who is sleep-walking. Sleepwalkers might be suffering from underlying sleep issues.

10. A Quarter of all Married Couples Sleep in Separate Beds

Remember when you slept on the sofa cum bed when your partner was angry at you?

Well, seems like this is a more common thing for many couples. 1 out of 4 couples sleep in separate beds and have mentioned that it is a good thing.

11. Sleep Deprivation Can kill You

Depriving yourself of sleep can eventually kill. In fact, sleep deprivation can kill you faster than food deprivation can.

12. Blind People Do Not See in Their Dreams

Humans born blind are unable to see in their dreams. They have dreams based on sound, smell and emotions, rather than those on sight.

However, the timing of the blindness and whether someone was born blind can have an important impact here.

13. You Forget Half of Your Dreams Within 5 Minutes of Waking

Humans tend to forget half of their dreams within 5 minutes of waking up. Additionally, almost 90 percent of your dreams are gone within the first 15 minutes of waking up. All you are left with are tidbits to concoct a story.

20 Interesting Facts You Never Knew About Sleeping

14. Sleep Deprivation Reduces Pain Tolerance

It has been found that the lack of sleep can reduce pain tolerance in individuals. There is no apparent link between the two, but it is true.

15. There Is a Link between Your Sleeping Position and Your Personality

Your sleeping position can ultimately determine your personality. People who sleep in the fetal position happen to appear very stiff and stern but can be sensitive in the core.

16. It Takes 15 Minutes to Fall Asleep

If you don’t have any underlying condition, falling asleep should take you a maximum of 10 to 15 minutes. The time can differ for people suffering from insomnia and other conditions.

20 Interesting Facts You Never Knew About Sleeping

17. Humans Delay Sleep

Humans are known to be the only living species of mammals that willingly delay their sleep. All other mammals sleep wherever and whenever they please, while humans are more concerned about living by the norms.

18. Sleeping Positions Impact Your Health

Sleeping on your front helps aid digestion while sleeping on the left side helps reduce the sensation of heartburn during the night. Some people maintain the same position the entire night, while others change their sleeping positions quite a few times during the night. The mattress you sleep on also impacts your sleeping pattern.

19. High Earners Sleep Better

You might already agree with this, but it is a proven fact that people who earn more sleep better. People earning over $75,000 get better sleep at night.

20. Emotions Are Strong Within Dreams

Emotions can be strong within dreams. A nightmare isn’t usually the end result of fear, but it happens because of feelings of guilt, sadness, and confusion; the most common and strongest emotions in dreams.


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