A good sleep allows for us to remain alert and functional during the day, as well as perform and maintain concentration at work. Sleep affects our metabolism, our mood and our immune system. Some study shows that only through sleep can our brain cleanse itself of toxins acquired from our environment. Ultimately, we all know that sleep is important, but how much do we actually know about healthy sleep patterns and habits? Do you know the telltale signs of sleep deprivation?

Take our quiz and find out just how much you know about sleep. Hopefully some of these facts will help you understand the impact of some of our unhealthy sleep habits and make better choices when it comes to this vital aspect of a healthy life.

  1. Falling asleep at night right when your head hits the pillow is a sign of a healthy sleep pattern.
    True/False
  2. On average, how much of our lives do we spend sleeping?
    a) 33% b) 25% c) 17% d) 10%
  3. How many hours of sleep should an adult get per night?
    a) 7.5 b) 8 c) 6 d) 9
  4. Watching TV in bed or checking your smartphone before you go to sleep affects your sleep cycle.
    True/False
  5. On average, the sleepiest time of the work day is:
    a) 8am b) 10am c) 2pm d) 10pm
  6. Impulsivity is increased when you are sleep deprived.
    True/False
  7. If you work overnight shift work, your body will eventually adjust to become nocturnal.
    True/False
  8. Not sleeping for 16 hours leads to a decrease in performance equivalent to having a blood alcohol level too high to drive.
    True/False
  9. You are less hungry when you are tired.
    True/False
  10. Falling asleep upon entering a dark space during daylight hours is a sign of sleep deprivation.
    True/False

See the answer key to see how many you answered correctly!
Answers:
1. False: Anything less than 10 minutes to fall asleep could be a sign of sleep deprivation
2. a) 33%. We spend 1/3 of our lives sleeping
3. b) 8 hours of sleep.
4. True: The light from your devices the TV can affect the quality of your sleep
5. c) 2pm: this time is a natural sleepy lull in the day.
6. True: Sleep deprivation affects the part of the brain associated with decision-making and impulsivity
7. False: Biologically, humans’ circadian rhythms are set to daylight hours. A human will never be naturally nocturnal
8. True.
9. False: The part of the brain associated with appetite and impulse-control is affected by lack of sleep
10. True.

Were any of these sleep facts surprising to you? What are some unhealthy sleep habits you hope to break?