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| - Last Updated on October 30, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
According to an article, wearing a bindi on forehead can help cure insomnia. We did a fact check and termed it as false.
The Claim
We came across an article on a website called HerZindagi which claims that wearing a bindi on forehead can cure insomnia.
Fact Check
What is insomnia?
Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterised by difficulty in falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. People with insomnia often experience symptoms such as difficulty initiating sleep, waking up frequently during the night, waking up too early in the morning, or feeling unrefreshed upon waking. This condition can lead to daytime fatigue, irritability, difficulty in concentrating, and impaired performance at work or school. Insomnia can be acute, lasting for a short period, or chronic, persisting for weeks, months, or even years. Various factors can lead to insomnia, including stress, anxiety, depression, medical conditions, medications, caffeine or other stimulants, irregular sleep schedules, or poor sleep habits. Treatment for insomnia may involve addressing underlying causes, adopting healthy sleep habits, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and, in some cases, medication.
Does bindi on forehead cure insomnia?
No, wearing a bindi on forehead does not cure insomnia. A bindi is a decorative mark worn in South Asia, particularly by women. It holds cultural and religious significance in various traditions. However, it has no known medical properties to treat insomnia or any other health condition. If bindi on forehead could really cure insomnia, individuals of every gender would wear it, instead of just women wearing it. Also, women have a higher prevalence of insomnia even when they are the ones who wear bindi on a regular basis. If bindi on forehead helped with insomnia, women should not suffer from the same. We respect the traditional and cultural importance of wearing a bindi, but we couldn’t find any scientific evidence to support this.
Insomnia requires appropriate medical evaluation and treatment, such as addressing underlying causes, adopting healthy sleep habits, and sometimes using medications or therapy techniques specifically designed to improve sleep.
What do the experts say?
We reached out to Dr Harshil Shah, a psychiatrist affiliated with B.J Medical College and Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad for his expert opinion. He says, “This is completely false. There’s no science behind such claims.
Insomnia means sleep disturbance which may include difficulty in initiation of sleep or difficulty in maintaining it. Sleep is regulated by ‘Circadian rhythm’.
Circadian rhythms are the physical, mental, and behavioral changes an organism experiences over a 24-hour cycle. Light and darkness have the biggest influence on circadian rhythms, but food intake, stress, physical activity, social environment, and temperature also affect them.”
Dr Shah further informs, “Apart from this, it is regulated by a hormone named ‘Melatonin’ secreted by ‘Pineal gland’ in our brain. Melatonin mainly regulates sleep-wake cycle and is literally the ‘On’ switch for sleep which is mainly secreted after sunset and in dark. So any type of disturbances in ‘Circadian rhythm’ due to above mentioned factors and disturbances in melatonin secretion and regulation may disturb your sleep.”
Dr Shah offers further guidance on insomnia, “Now there is no connection between ‘applying bindi’ and curing insomnia as you can see there’s no way its linked with these mechanisms and science. Things which might actually help to treat insomnia would include:
Follow sleep hygiene
1. Sleep at a fixed time
2. Switch off all screens at least 1hour before sleep
3. Avoid taking afternoon naps
4. Include light exercise in your routine
5. Meditate for 15 mins before sleep
6. Read a pleasant book around 30mins before sleep.
7. Try taking hot milk and hot water shower before sleep.”
Dr Shah reinstates, “If you feel you are stressed, you overthink or if you feel depressed or anxious and hence unable to sleep, then, please consult a mental health professional instead of believing such false claims, which are not backed by science.”
We also interviewed Dr Roma Kumar, Senior Consultant Psychologist at Max Healthcare, Gurugram. She says, “I want to make it clear that wearing a bindi on the forehead cannot cure insomnia. Insomnia is a real medical condition that involves difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. It can lead to serious health issues such as anxiety, depression, and heart problems if not treated on time. Relying on a bindi or other unproven methods won’t address the underlying causes of insomnia.”
Dr Kumar further states, “If you’re struggling with insomnia, it’s important to seek help from a healthcare professional. Together, we can explore effective treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, proper sleep hygiene, and necessary lifestyle changes. Simple adjustments like maintaining a regular sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and reducing caffeine intake can make a big difference. Remember, addressing insomnia with proven methods is vital for your overall health and well-being.”
What are the most common symptoms of insomnia, and how do they impact daily life?
The most common symptoms of insomnia include difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early and feeling unrefreshed. These symptoms can lead to daytime fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, impaired memory, mood disturbances, decreased performance at work or school, and an overall diminished quality of life. Chronic insomnia can also contribute to the development of other health issues such as anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular problems. Managing insomnia effectively is crucial to mitigate these impacts and improve overall well-being.
What are the long-term consequences of untreated insomnia?
The long-term consequences of untreated insomnia on physical and mental health can be severe and far-reaching.
Physical Health Consequences:
- Cardiovascular Problems: Chronic insomnia can lead to an increased risk of hypertension, heart disease, and stroke.
- Diabetes and Obesity: Lack of sleep can lead to insulin resistance, weight gain, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Weakened Immune System: Persistent sleep deprivation can impair immune function, making the body more susceptible to infections.
- Chronic Pain:Insomnia can exacerbate conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia, contributing to persistent pain.
Mental Health Consequences:
- Depression and Anxiety: Insomnia is closely associated with mood disorders, and untreated insomnia can both contribute to and exacerbate these conditions.
- Cognitive Impairment: Long-term sleep deprivation can lead to difficulties with memory, concentration, decision-making, and learning.
- Increased Risk of Psychiatric Disorders: Insomnia can elevate the risk of developing conditions such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Daily Life Impact:
- Impaired Performance: Insomnia can negatively affect performance at work or school, leading to reduced productivity and increased errors or accidents.
- Strained Relationships: Mood swings and irritability caused by sleep deprivation can impact personal and professional relationships.
- Decreased Quality of Life: Chronic insomnia can lead to a diminished sense of well-being and lower overall life satisfaction.
Overall Health Risks:
Increased Mortality Risk: Studies have shown that chronic insomnia can contribute to an overall higher risk of mortality due to its association with various health conditions.
What lifestyle habits contribute to insomnia?
Several lifestyle habits can contribute to the development or worsening of insomnia:
- Irregular Sleep Schedule: Going to bed and waking up at different times each day can disrupt your internal clock and make it harder to fall asleep.
- Poor Sleep Environment: A noisy, bright, or uncomfortable sleeping environment can interfere with your ability to sleep.
- Caffeine and Nicotine: Consuming stimulants like caffeine and nicotine, especially in the afternoon or evening, can keep you awake.
- Heavy Meals and Alcohol: Eating large meals or consuming alcohol close to bedtime can disrupt your sleep patterns.
- Lack of Physical Activity: Insufficient physical activity during the day can make it harder to feel tired at night.
- Excessive Screen Time: Using electronic devices before bed can interfere with your ability to fall asleep due to the blue light emitted by screens.
- Stress and Anxiety: High levels of stress or anxiety can make it difficult to relax and fall asleep.
How prevalent is insomnia in different age groups and demographics?
Insomnia affects people across all age groups and demographics, though its prevalence varies.
- Children and Adolescents: Insomnia is less common in younger children but can occur, particularly in those with irregular sleep schedules, anxiety, or ADHD. In adolescents, the prevalence increases, often due to academic stress, social pressures, and irregular sleep patterns.
- Adults: In adults, insomnia becomes more prevalent, with stress, work demands, and lifestyle factors contributing to sleep difficulties. Approximately 10-30% of adults experience chronic insomnia, with higher rates in women compared to men.
- Older Adults: Insomnia is most prevalent among older adults, affecting up to 30% to 48% of this population. Age-related changes in sleep patterns, medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle changes all contribute to higher rates of insomnia in this demographic.
- Demographic Variations: Insomnia prevalence can also vary based on gender, socioeconomic status, and race/ethnicity. Women are more likely to experience insomnia than men, possibly due to hormonal changes, caregiving responsibilities, and higher rates of anxiety and depression. Lower socioeconomic status and certain racial/ethnic backgrounds are also associated with higher rates of insomnia, potentially due to increased stress, poorer overall health, and reduced access to healthcare resources.
What natural remedies or lifestyle changes can help with insomnia?
Several natural remedies and lifestyle changes can help ease insomnia. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day is crucial. Creating a comfortable sleep environment that is dark, quiet, and cool can enhance sleep quality. Limiting caffeine and alcohol, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime, can also be beneficial. Regular exercise during the day promotes better sleep, but vigorous exercise should be avoided close to bedtime. Practising relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can reduce stress and prepare the body for sleep. Reducing screen time at least an hour before bed helps minimise blue light exposure, which can interfere with the ability to fall asleep. Establishing a relaxing bedtime routine, such as reading or taking a warm bath, can signal to your body that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep.
Also read our other stories on insomnia: Which foods help with insomnia and anxiety? Which food helps to control anxiety? Fact Check: Does the 5G network cause nosebleed, low sperm count, headache, insomnia or brain cancer? We have also debunked another story on superstition: Can prayers heal infirmities?
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