Sleep is vital, but our obsession with perfect sleep has grown. A quick search online reveals countless articles, gadgets, and advice suggesting we’re not sleeping properly—warnings that less than seven hours a night could harm our health. However, this message oversimplifies the reality of sleep needs. While seven to eight hours is an average recommendation, sleep duration varies among individuals. Some people thrive on six hours, while others need more. Fear-based messaging can even worsen sleep issues, leading some to become overly fixated on achieving perfect sleep, a condition called orthosomnia. This fixation may cause more anxiety and further disrupt sleep. Experts advise shifting focus from numbers to how rested you feel during the day. If you generally feel refreshed and can stay awake without trouble, you might not need to worry. If sleep issues persist, consult a doctor or try cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), which has been proven effective without medication.
Vocabulary:
• Fascination - A strong interest or attraction towards something.
• Slew - A large number or amount.
• Doomed - Destined for a negative outcome, often used to express a sense of inevitability.
• Flaws - Weaknesses or imperfections.
• Orthosomnia - A condition characterized by an obsession with achieving perfect sleep.
• Preoccupation - The state of being overly focused or concerned with something.
• Evidence based - Relying on data, studies, or scientific research.
• Involuntarily - Done without intention or conscious control.
• Therapy - Treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT-I) - A therapeutic approach that helps change negative thought patterns and behaviors.
• Flaws - Defects or weaknesses in a system, process, or object that may hinder performance or functionality.
Source : TED Youtube channel.