Sleep facts and myths quiz
Are you getting the sleep you need? Test what you know.
10 multiple-choice questions, with the answer explained after each one.
Answer each question, see why, and beat your best score.
All 10 questions and answers
Want to check an answer or run the quiz out loud? Every question is here, with the answer hidden until you open it.
- How much sleep do most adults need each night?
- 10 to 12 hours
- Exactly 6 hours
- 7 to 9 hours
- 4 to 5 hours
Show answer
7 to 9 hours. Needs vary a little between people.
- How much sleep do teenagers generally need?
- 5 to 6 hours
- 8 to 10 hours
- 12 to 14 hours
- 6 to 7 hours
Show answer
8 to 10 hours. Teen body clocks naturally shift later.
- About how long is one sleep cycle?
- About 4 hours
- About 90 minutes
- About 30 seconds
- About 10 minutes
Show answer
About 90 minutes. We go through several cycles a night.
- In which stage of sleep do most vivid dreams happen?
- Light sleep
- Deep sleep
- While falling asleep
- REM sleep
Show answer
REM sleep. REM stands for rapid eye movement.
- Which hormone helps signal that it's time to sleep?
- Insulin
- Adrenaline
- Melatonin
- Cortisol
Show answer
Melatonin. Darkness triggers melatonin release.
- Does alcohol improve sleep quality?
- No. It disrupts sleep later in the night
- Only beer does
- Only on weekends
- Yes, always
Show answer
No. It disrupts sleep later in the night. It may make you drowsy, but your sleep is lighter.
- Caffeine's effects can last how long?
- Exactly 1 hour
- Several hours (half-life about 5 hours)
- About 10 minutes
- Several days
Show answer
Several hours (half-life about 5 hours). An afternoon coffee can affect sleep.
- Loud snoring with pauses in breathing can be a sign of…
- Good sleep
- Low iron
- Sleep apnoea
- Dreaming
Show answer
Sleep apnoea. See a doctor if you notice this.
- Which habit best helps regular sleep?
- Screens in bed
- Sleeping in on weekends
- A consistent wake-up time, even on weekends
- Long naps every afternoon
Show answer
A consistent wake-up time, even on weekends. It anchors your body clock.
- Can you fully 'catch up' on weeks of lost sleep in one weekend?
- Yes, easily
- Not fully
- Only by sleeping 20 hours
- Sleep can't be lost
Show answer
Not fully. Regular sleep matters more.
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