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Test your sleep IQ: Take our sleep quiz

Take our sleep quiz to learn about sleep problems.

October 7, 2020

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If one of your health goals is to get more sleep, this quiz is for you. It will test your knowledge of one of the most powerful ways to improve your health.

What is not a healthy sleep tip?

A) Use the bedroom for sleep and sex only.
B) Don't drink caffeine close to bedtime.
C) Watch television and use your computer, tablet or cell phone before bed.
D) Complete your exercise at least two hours before bedtime.

Answer: C. Light from electronic devices may suppress melatonin, a natural chemical in the body that helps us fall asleep. Don't use electronic devices starting about two hours before going to bed.

It’s best to read a book or magazine with a light source behind you if you want to read before going to sleep.

Does alcohol cause sleep problems?

Alcohol can cause sleep problems. It's best to stop drinking how far ahead of going to sleep?

A) Two hours
B) Three hours
C) 30 minutes
D) Five hours

Answer: B. Alcohol is a stimulant that can disrupt sleep when you have it too close to bedtime.

What problems does sleep apnea cause?

A) Hypertension (high blood pressure)
B) Diabetes
C) Heart disease, stroke
D) Memory problems
E) All of the above

Answer: E. All the above. Sleep apnea is more than a bad night’s sleep. It can lead to serious health issues with major complications, if left untreated.

How does sleep apnea affect breathing?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder. Sleep apnea can cause people to pause or stop breathing up to how many times per hour?

A) None
B) 30
C) 100
D) 1,000

Answer: B. Sleep apnea can cause you to pause breathing five to 30 times or more per hour. Pauses can last seconds to minutes and are caused by a blockage in the upper airway near the throat muscles.

Sleep apnea leads to disrupted sleep with negative daytime consequences.

What problems does lack of sleep cause?

Chronic (long-term) sleep deprivation is loss of sleep over a long period of time. What problems can sleep deprivation cause?

A) Mood disorder
B) Memory issues, including forgetfulness
C) Weight gain
D) All of the above

Answer: D. Chronic sleep deprivation may affect mood, including anxiety (worrying more than normal) and depression. It can also cause memory issues, including short-term memory problems.

Sleep deprivation affects metabolism (how the body uses food to create energy). Sleep deprivation can lead to weight gain.

Can you stop jet lag?

True or false: There are ways to help reduce the effects of jet lag.

Answer: True. There are several ways to help transition between time zones when traveling.

When traveling to a different time zone or getting used to a new schedule, it's helpful to:

  • Not drink alcohol
  • Have bright light around you throughout the day

Lark, early riser or early bird?

What is the name of a sleep condition in which someone goes to bed early (6 to 9 p.m.) and wakes up earlier (2 to 5 a.m.) than most people's sleep times?

A) Early bird
B) Lark
C) Early riser
D) Johnny-on-the-spot

Answer: B. To help "larks" return to a more common schedule, bright light in the evening is often a good idea to delay sleep times. It's also helpful to keep a steady sleeping and waking schedule.

Does changing your sleeping times help sleep?

True or false: Going to bed at different times throughout the week builds more adaptive sleep patterns.

Answer: False. Going to bed and waking up around the same time each day does help you sleep better.

Which group requires the most sleep?

A) Adolescents (teens)
B) Adults
C) Infants
D) Toddlers

Answer: C. Infants require the most sleep. From birth to two months old, babies need an average of 10.5 to 18.5 hours of sleep. Infants from two to 12 months need an average of 14 to 15 hours of sleep per night.

Remember the sage advice: Never wake a sleeping baby.

During what stage of sleep do you dream?

A) REM
B) Phase II
C) Somatic stage
D) NREM

Answer: A. REM sleep occurs about every 90 minutes throughout sleep. REM tends to be in longer time frames as the night goes on. During REM sleep, your body doesn't move and is relaxed.

REM sleep is one stage of sleep that's important to daytime performance and may help your memory work better.

We can help you sleep better

Sleep can refresh, regenerate and protect your body. If you're having sleep challenges, an appointment with our sleep medicine department may help you. Call 1-206-860-4545 to schedule an appointment.

 

By David C. Chang, MD

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Source

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Birth Data. Accessed November 3, 2020.

The information provided is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for professional health care. You should consult an appropriate health care professional for your specific needs.