What have you heard about sleep therapy? Myths and truths

Have you heard of the 'sleep cure'? It's a controversial alternative that is believed to treat certain health problems . However, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding it.

Debates about sleep cures are often linked, above all, to whether they actually work. There are divided opinions , with their respective arguments.

Below, we'll explain what sleep therapy is, what's known about it, and what other options are more reliable and have proven effectiveness.

What is sleep cure?

This term was coined in 1922 by German psychiatrist Jacob Klaesi (1883-1980). It was used in treatments related to schizophrenia and substance abuse.

Sleep cure refers to a procedure that induces sleep by administering a hypnotic over several days. It had a therapeutic purpose.

It involved the person remaining in a state of sleep for an average of 20 hours a day for two consecutive weeks. Its goal was to synchronize the biological rhythms of sleep and wakefulness, thereby improving biological vulnerability in people with depression.

Are you getting enough sleep? Answer these three questions.

Myths and truths about sleep cures

Currently, it is known that very few psychiatrists rely on this method to treat certain mental disorders, as medical science has advanced enough to allow for other alternatives.

And although this technique has shown some effectiveness in several cases, it is also true that it involves risks that must be taken into account .

Myth: It is the only option to treat certain mental problems

As we saw earlier, the sleep cure is a very old practice. In fact, it was formalized as a treatment at the beginning of the 20th century, especially in Russia.

At that time, this type of intervention was showing very favorable results for mental health problems such as schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, addiction, and other disorders. However, its practice remained a matter of debate.

But today, with advances in medical research, there are other alternatives that have proven their effectiveness with much greater precision, such as certain medications and certain essential habits for life, such as getting enough sleep and physical activity.

Truth: One of the first signs of a mental health problem could be difficulty sleeping.

Around a mental illness, various symptoms often appear that would help experts diagnose a particular condition.

One of them is related to sleep problems. Hence, quality sleep is once again a recurring element, above sleep therapy.

Getting a good night's sleep will always be a practice that helps heal the human body naturally, quickly, and preventatively against other ailments related to blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, weight, and diabetes.

Myth: The sleep cure would be a 100% safe method

Although it showed promising results for a time, the truth is that it was always questioned by the scientific community, something that was demonstrated in the worst possible way.

It is known that between 1963 and 1979, Chelmsford Hospital in Australia reported the tragic figure of 25 deaths associated with sleep therapy. Finally, in 2009, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists stated: “Deep sleep therapy and the administration of intravenous barbiturates (drugs that cause relaxation and drowsiness) have no place in the treatment of psychiatric disorders.”

Truth: There are other alternatives for personal well-being that involve sleep.

With scientific advances, a much wider range of alternatives exists. Many of them are even natural methods that provide wellness, based on the body's own existing tools.

5 special pillows to personalize your rest. Which one do you choose?

Sleeping well is good for you. How can you achieve it?

Sleep therapy will continue to be offered and requested by specialists and patients. However, a much healthier option involves getting enough sleep and achieving restful sleep. This is achieved with an ergonomic pillow .

Ergonomic pillows are therapeutically designed to maintain a person's natural sleeping position.

Another advantage is that, while you sleep, the pillow keeps your spine in a neutral position. This relieves muscle tension in areas such as the neck, back, and shoulders.

Due to their ergonomic nature, there are a variety of pillows for different needs. Some are made for side sleepers, elevating them and even cooling themselves.

Ergonomic pillows, the best allies for your rest

As you can see, a multitude of versions have circulated around the so-called "sleep cure," some more well-known than others. Clarifying these myths and truths allows us to get closer to what everyone is seeking: their physical and mental well-being.

Hence, science has advanced enough to offer other alternatives related to rest. In this sense, ergonomic pillows can make a big difference if you're looking for proven options for restorative sleep that allow you to be at your best throughout your day.