Getting enough shut-eye is one of the best things we can do for our health.
But many of us struggle with sleep, with more than a third of Australian adults not getting the sleep they need and a staggering 77.9 per cent of Australian women saying they had trouble falling or staying asleep over the past several nights.
When it comes to advice on how to sleep well, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by all the conflicting information out there.
To help you cut through the noise, we asked the experts to break down what you need to know — and what you can ignore — when it comes to getting to sleep, staying asleep, and getting better-quality sleep.
Myth 1: Waking up early is always best
Myth 2: Switching off screens just before bed will solve sleep problems
Myth 3: Waking during the night always equals a bad night's sleep
Myth 4: Get your bedtime right, and the rest will follow
Myth 5: You can train yourself to need less sleep
Myth 6: A few minutes of mindfulness before bed is the only stress buster you need
Myth 7: Caffeine is your main culprit.
Myth 2: Switching off screens just before bed will solve sleep problems
Myth 3: Waking during the night always equals a bad night's sleep
Myth 4: Get your bedtime right, and the rest will follow
Myth 5: You can train yourself to need less sleep
Myth 6: A few minutes of mindfulness before bed is the only stress buster you need
Myth 7: Caffeine is your main culprit.
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Read all about the myths: http://www.abc.net.au/life/sleep-myths-experts-debunk-common-advice-for-sleep-problems/10230440