Laughter and Health

Until recently, humour would not have been a topic for scientific investigation. Scientists have, however, discovered that laughter and a sense of humour can have a dramatic impact on the production of endorphins – the brain’s natural tranquilliser and painkiller. A link has already been established between humour and the immune system. Research suggests that those who register a higher ‘laughter index’ are less susceptible to colds and flu. Norman Cousins, author of Anatomy of an Illness, was informed that he was suffering a terminal illness and there was nothing doctors could do for him. Cousins checked into a hotel room and for the next six months watched humorous films, read joke books and surrounded him with witty friends. After six months doctors were astonished when they found that his illness had gone into remission. According to Cousins a sense of humour and general joyfulness are critical ingredients to what he refers to as a sense of hardiness. Cousins reports that as little as ten minutes laughter can provide a person who is in pain with at least two hours of sleep (Howard, 1999). Cousins’ ideas have found support in the scientific community.

Research conducted by Lee S. Berk, a professor at the School of Medicine, University of California, found that laughter results in:

• A decrease in cortisol levels
• An increase in endorphins
• Enhanced respiration
• An increase in salivary immunoglobulin type A concentrations
• Increase in the number of immune cells
• Increase in immune-cell proliferation
• Decrease in stress levels

Poor sleeping habits can have negative effects on health and vitality. Research in the field suggest that adults function at their best with at least 8 hours (or more) a night. It is claimed that there are people who can do with as little as three or four hours a night. One famous example is the former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher who is said to have got by with little more than three hours sleep a night. While this may be so, it is certainly the exception to the rule. It is well known that many accidents including train and aeroplane accidents are due to drivers and pilots who suffer from sleep deprivation.

For body and mind to function optimally regular sleep patterns are a necessity. All people are subject to sleep cycles – often referred to as a biological clock. Once our biological clock gets disturbed we begin to suffer from insomnia or sleep deprivation. This can lead to stress and mood disorders such as depression. It is advised that we should strive to keep our sleep and wake-up times as consistent as possible.

Below follow some guidelines to improve sleep hygiene:

• Avoid stimulants such as caffeine before retiring.
• Avoid eating a large plate of food before bedtime.
• Keep alcohol levels low. Whilst one or two tots of whisky may relax you and induce sleep, drinking large quantities of alcohol interferes with sleep – for example waking up in the middle of the night.
• Taking naps during the day can lead to insomnia.
• Only consider taking sleep medication as a last resort. Discuss this subject with your doctor.
• Make sure that your bedroom is dark. Light interferes with the sleep process. Make sure that early morning light does not enter through your window.
• If you have trouble in falling asleep get out of bed and do something quiet.
• Relaxation exercises before bedtime can prove very useful for those experiencing insomnia.