Sleep has now become such a luxury that modern man is careful to get as much as he can. It is something that men in this age of speed seek more than anything else. When signing contracts, Hollywood celebrities argue with producers not about money but about increased hours of sleep. Some insert clauses into the contract whereby the actor is not to be disturbed with telephone calls before certain times of day.
Experts say that sleep is a free treatment for everyone and that one night of good sleep can cure colds, relieve stressed muscles and cause the digestive system to work properly. This is because, during sleep, the hormones responsible for growth and repair are stimulated.
Sleep is linked to dreaming and dreaming plays a vital role in mental health. The reason is that the area of the brain related to feelings is usually closed during dreams which are regarded as one way to solve problems without the interference of emotions.
Experts agree that lack of sleep or poor sleep reduces human intelligence and increases the chance of accidents; it also weakens memory and causes stress. Sleep is a free treatment available to everyone but we must be well prepared for it. For example, the bedroom should be dark so that the body starts producing the hormone, melanin, that induces sleep. Greasy foods must not be consumed in the evening and no caffeinated drinks in the late afternoon.
If a person is unable to fall asleep 10 or 15 minutes after going to bed, then he should get up and do something that doesn’t require a great deal of effort — such as reading. If he stays in bed and is unable to sleep, this can lead to insomnia which can certainly destroy a person’s life.
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At times conflicting and contradicting medical statements in the press about what we should and shouldn’t eat have certainly perplexed us. Years ago scientists said that the chemical ingredients used in preserving food were potential carcinogens; later they said that two of those same ingredients helped to combat cancer.
Experts say that changes in the methods of production, distribution and consumption of food in the last few years are responsible for the rise in food poisoning incidents. Agricultural methods and modern ways of raising have made the animals more prone to disease. The distribution of food to locations far from production plants means that in the event that disease is contracted, it becomes more difficult to quickly contain and combat.
Increased reliance on ready-made meals and imported foods opens another possible door to contamination. This phenomenon has spread equally to all countries in the world, whether they are advanced or developing. It has attracted the attention of scientists and experts for a long time. Studies and scientific trials carried out in America confirm that diet is very much related to the phenomenon of violence.
Research has also shown that diet directly affects the mood and health of humans and that people who have the same kind of moods and temperaments share the same food preferences.
Studies also indicate a link between specific types of food and certain illnesses, behavioral disturbances, long-term depression and hyperactivity that results in violence. The link between human behavior and diet has become a reality supported by research and studies. They have confirmed that ready-made meals and fast-food leads to violence.
It is all rather strange and confusing. What should we eat and what shouldn’t we?
Arab News Features 28 March 2003
