False beliefs about sleep and their associations with sleep-related behavior

Understanding the association between sleep-related beliefs and behaviors may be useful in improving sleep health in the general population. This study examines false beliefs about sleep and their associations with self-reported sleep and related behaviors.

Respondents in an online survey indicated the degree to which they agreed with 20 statements previously identified as sleep myths by experts in the field. A total sleep myths score was calculated for each participant, with higher scores reflecting greater false beliefs. Sociodemographic factors, behaviors, and knowledge related to sleep were also assessed.

Total sample size was 1120 adults residing in the United States (51.5% female; M age = 47.22). Overall, belief in sleep myths was relatively common, with 10 of 20 false statements endorsed by at least 50% of the sample. Sleep myth scores varied by sociodemographic factors, including age, gender, socioeconomic indicators, and region of residence. Higher sleep myth scores were associated with greater inconsistency in bedtimes (odds ratio: 1.07 [1.04-1.09]), more frequent napping (odds ratio: 1.11 [1.09-1.14]), more in-bed activities (β = 0.35, p < .001), engaging in behaviors incompatible with sleep hygiene recommendations (β = 0.24, p < .001), and perceiving fewer consequences of insufficient sleep (β = -0.13, p < .001). Those endorsing more myths reported shorter sleep on non-worknights (β = -0.09, p = .01) but not on worknights.

Belief in sleep myths is related to sleep health behavior and may be a modifiable target for intervention.