Many of us have experienced a sleepless night, tossing and turning and counting the hours until a new day. But did you know that poor sleep does more than just make you feel tired? It can also affect who you trust and what you believe in. Recent research might be surprising—especially if you find yourself caught up in gossip, rumors, or even conspiracy theories. Knowing the right techniques for sleeping will protect not just your mental but also your physical health!
The Link Between Sleep and Believing Rumors
A new study from the United States found that sleep insufficiency can increase your likelihood of believing false information and conspiracy stories. The study discovered that people getting less than 6 hours of sleep each night were 40% more likely to believe fanciful tales or rumors that are often posted online. For Pinays active on Facebook or TikTok, this means that sacrificing sleep can make you more vulnerable to online drama and fake news.
How Sleep Shapes Your Decisions
Sleep isn’t just for beauty—it’s crucial for brain health too. When you’re well-rested, your brain can sort fact from the chismis. But when you lack sleep, your brain’s ability to figure out what’s true is less effective. It becomes tougher to resist emotionally charged posts or convincing arguments, even when they’re not true. Research from the UK and the US confirms that regular, quality sleep helps protect your brain from mental lapses and strengthens your resistance to the latest viral stories or misleading news.
Why Filipinas May Be At Risk
In the Philippines, many women juggle family, work, and social obligations—sometimes at the expense of rest. According to a DOH study, 1 in 3 Filipinas reports not getting enough sleep. Factors like city noise, long commutes, and phone use at night all pile up, leaving you tired and vulnerable to mental fatigue. Losing sleep doesn’t just lead to puyat—it can also reduce your natural “filter” for gossip and exaggeration.
"It's not just the body that gets drained. After a week with less than 6 hours of sleep nightly, people were twice as likely to believe in wild stories, even if they had always questioned them before."
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Recommended For YouSimple Sleep Hacks for a Healthier Mind
Your mind’s protection starts with your sleep. Here are some simple sleep hacks every Filipina can try:
- Set a regular bedtime, aiming for at least seven hours of sleep each night.
- Avoid gadgets or social media one hour before bed.
- Use white noise or a fan to block outside noise.
- Unwind with relaxing activities, like reading or gentle stretches before sleeping.
With our busy Pinay life, these simple habits can make a big difference. After all, taking care of our minds is just as important as taking care of our bodies (and our skin!).
Taking Control: Sleep and Mental Wellness
Understanding the link between poor sleep and poor mental health can help us avoid being tricked by false news or rumors. By making small changes to our sleep routines, we can strengthen our mental health, lower stress, and protect ourselves from being easily influenced. If you notice these signs in yourself, talking about sleep is the first step to better health.
There’s no fast cure, but focusing on good sleep can make you happier, calmer, and better informed. Wondering, why can’t I stop believing in rumors after a bad night’s sleep? That might just be the answer you’ve been looking for.
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