The debate surrounding sleep has taken a new turn, with recent research suggesting that sleeping too much may be just as harmful as not sleeping enough. According to a review of data from 79 studies, those who sleep more than nine hours a night face a significantly increased risk of mortality compared to those who sleep between seven and eight hours. This information raises important questions about our understanding of sleep and its impact on health.

Sleep is widely recognized as a crucial component of overall well-being. The Sleep Health Foundation, Australia’s leading organization focused on sleep-related health issues, recommends that adults aim for between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. Insufficient sleep has long been linked to various health concerns, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and mental health disorders. While it’s clear that not getting enough sleep is detrimental, the implications of excessive sleep are becoming increasingly evident.

In the recent study, researchers discovered that individuals who sleep less than seven hours a night had a 14% higher risk of dying during the study period. Conversely, those who exceeded nine hours of sleep had a staggering 34% increased risk of mortality. This trend aligns with findings from previous research conducted in 2018, which indicated that sleep durations over nine hours are associated with a 14% increase in mortality risk.

The relationship between excessive sleep and health complications, such as depression, chronic pain, and metabolic disorders, has also been highlighted. However, it is crucial to understand that these studies identify a correlation rather than a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Many individuals who experience chronic health issues may require more sleep as their bodies attempt to recover. Their extended sleep patterns could be a symptom rather than a cause of poor health.

Various factors may contribute to the observed relationship between excessive sleep and health risks. People suffering from chronic conditions may find themselves sleeping longer due to fatigue or medication side effects. Furthermore, lifestyle factors such as obesity and smoking, which are known to impact health, can also influence sleep patterns. Therefore, it is essential to consider that excessive sleep might reflect underlying health issues, rather than being the root cause of those issues.

Another aspect to consider is the variability in sleep needs based on age and individual differences. Teenagers, for instance, may require more sleep, with recommendations suggesting eight to ten hours for optimal functioning. In contrast, while older adults may spend more time in bed, their sleep requirements generally remain the same as when they were younger. Most adults should aim for the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep to promote better health.

Quality of sleep is equally important as quantity. Consistent sleep patterns, along with high-quality sleep, play a critical role in maintaining health. Many adults in Australia struggle to meet the recommended sleep duration, prompting a need for strategies to improve sleep hygiene rather than worrying about excessive sleep.

To enhance sleep quality, individuals are encouraged to spend time outdoors during the day, maintain an active lifestyle, and establish a regular sleep schedule. Prior to bedtime, limiting screen time and engaging in relaxing activities can also contribute to a more restful night’s sleep. If individuals find themselves sleeping significantly longer than usual, it may indicate an underlying health issue. Consulting with a healthcare professional can provide further guidance on sleep concerns.

In summary, while the notion of excess sleep being harmful is gaining attention, it is essential to approach this subject with an understanding of the complexities involved. The ongoing research underscores the necessity of balanced sleep patterns and the importance of addressing any health issues that may disrupt sleep quality.

For more information on sleep health, resources are available through the Sleep Health Foundation. According to Charlotte Gupta, a Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Appleton Institute at CQUniversity Australia, and Gabrielle Rigney, a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the same institution, improving our understanding of sleep can ultimately lead to better health outcomes for all.

In an age dominated by streaming platforms and social media, the conversation around narrative spoilers has intensified. Some viewers actively seek out spoilers, while others go to great lengths to avoid them. This cultural divide raises questions about the psychological implications of knowing or not knowing key plot points in films and television shows.

Many people have unique ways of dealing with spoilers. Some, like myself, react with anxiety. A personal experience involved leaving a train carriage to escape a conversation about the end of the final Harry Potter book. Recently, I faced a similar situation on a bus, where two passengers discussed the finale of the series Severance. Others, however, embrace spoilers as a source of comfort and control, flipping to the last page of a book or researching endings before diving into a story.

Research highlights the complexities of spoiler sensitivity. According to studies, spoilers are defined as unwanted information that reveals how a narrative concludes. This raises a fundamental question: Why do some people crave the thrill of suspense, while others prefer the certainty that comes with knowing how a story ends?

Historically, filmmakers have taken significant measures to protect plot twists. Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho pioneered an anti-spoiler policy, complete with strict viewing times and lobby warnings recorded by Hitchcock himself. The film’s marketing urged audiences not to “cheat themselves” by revealing the twists. Similarly, the cast of Star Wars was kept in the dark about Darth Vader’s true identity until the premiere night. More recently, Avengers: Endgame filmed multiple endings to prevent leaks, and actor Andrew Garfield famously misled fans about his return in Spider-Man: No Way Home to preserve the element of surprise.

Despite the common belief that spoilers ruin enjoyment, research suggests otherwise. A 2014 study from the Netherlands found that viewers of unspoiled stories reported higher emotional arousal and enjoyment. Spoilers may help form ‘mental models’ of the plot, which can reduce the desire to engage deeply with the unfolding story. This indicates that the perceived negative impact of spoilers may be overstated.

Further studies in 2016 involving short stories, mystery fiction, and films revealed that participants who learned key plot points in advance still experienced high levels of enjoyment. This suggests that once viewers are immersed in a story, emotional connections often outweigh their prior knowledge.

The relationship between suspense and enjoyment is complex. Renowned media psychologist Dolf Zillmann argues that while suspense creates tension, true enjoyment arises only when audiences receive a satisfying resolution. This could explain why many viewers seek out “ending explained” articles when narratives fall short of closure; they aim to resolve uncertainty and manage their emotional responses.

Interestingly, spoilers can alleviate cognitive pressure. Research on fans of the show Lost found that those who looked up episode endings reported greater enjoyment because it allowed them to reflect and engage more fully with the story. Spoilers can empower audiences, giving them a sense of control over the narrative.

This dynamic creates a power struggle between creators and audiences. Ethicists argue that being spoiled is akin to a moral trespass, as it infringes on an individual’s right to choose their narrative experience. Whether avoiding or seeking spoilers, the underlying motive often revolves around a desire for control over one’s emotional journey.

Spoiler avoiders tend to seek emotional transportation, savoring the suspense as part of the pleasure. In contrast, those who seek out spoilers manage their emotions by softening the impact of unexpected developments. Psychologists refer to this as a “non-cognitive desensitization strategy,” which offers a form of emotional self-regulation.

Ultimately, embracing or avoiding spoilers reflects individual preferences in narrative engagement. I faced a dilemma when confronted with spoilers for Severance. Instead of fleeing, I chose to listen and attempt to understand the unfamiliar plot points. This experience highlighted that while surprise is a significant aspect of entertainment, the journey itself remains just as valuable.

In conclusion, whether one is a spoiler seeker or avoider, the conversation about spoilers reveals much about our psychological needs and preferences. It demonstrates that narratives are not merely stories to consume but complex experiences that shape our emotional lives.

In a world where narratives unfold through books, films, and television, the reaction to spoilers varies dramatically. Some individuals go to great lengths to avoid them, while others actively seek them out. This cultural division has sparked discussions about the deeper psychological motivations behind why people react so differently to spoiler information.

Anjum Naweed, a Professor of Human Factors at CQUniversity Australia, explores this phenomenon by examining how spoilers affect our emotional connection to stories. The tension is palpable in places where spoilers are discussed openly, such as public transport. Naweed recalls a personal experience of feeling overwhelmed by conversations about the ending of the last Harry Potter book, prompting a quick exit to another train carriage. This scenario is not unique; it mirrors the experiences of many who wish to preserve the suspense of a narrative.

The clash over spoilers has gained significance as streaming services and social media platforms amplify discussions around popular shows. Research indicates that the term “spoiler” refers to unwanted information regarding a story’s resolution. While some individuals interject “spoilers!” in a bid to protect their narrative experience, others find satisfaction in knowing what lies ahead.

Historically, filmmakers have recognized the power of spoilers. The release of Alfred Hitchcock‘s Psycho was accompanied by a strict anti-spoiler policy that included lobby warnings and even police officers urging viewers to avoid revealing plot twists. Similarly, the cast of Star Wars was kept in the dark about the identity of Darth Vader until the film’s premiere. Such secrecy underscores the lengths creators will go to maintain suspense and surprise for their audiences.

Despite the popularity of spoiler avoidance, studies reveal a more nuanced relationship between spoilers and enjoyment. A 2014 study from the Netherlands found that viewers who experienced unspoiled narratives reported higher emotional arousal and overall satisfaction. Spoilers may serve to complete our understanding of a plot, leading to a different engagement level with the story.

In a 2016 series of studies, participants who were informed about the endings of various stories, including films and mystery fiction, reported high levels of enjoyment. This suggests that emotional connection often outweighs the effect of knowing the outcome in advance. The suspense that builds throughout a narrative is enjoyable, but the resolution is what ultimately leads to satisfaction.

American media psychologist Dolf Zillmann noted that while suspense generates excitement, enjoyment is contingent on a satisfying conclusion. This paradox may explain why viewers often seek “ending explained” articles when a show fails to provide closure. They desire a resolution to their emotional turmoil.

Interestingly, spoilers can also alleviate pressure for some viewers. A 2009 study focusing on fans of the television show Lost indicated that those who looked up episode endings enjoyed the show more. By reducing cognitive strain, viewers could reflect more readily on the story’s themes and character development. Spoilers can empower audiences, allowing them to navigate their emotional responses with greater ease.

The desire to seek out spoilers may stem from a mix of curiosity, impatience, and a subtle rebellion against the control creators exert over the narrative experience. Ethicists have likened the act of spoiling to a moral transgression, as it removes the viewer’s autonomy in discovering the story.

For those who avoid spoilers, the objective is often to experience the narrative’s emotional highs and lows fully. They relish the journey of suspense and the joy that comes with the gradual unveiling of a story. Conversely, spoiler seekers pursue a different kind of control, managing their emotional responses to protect themselves from potential disappointment or anxiety associated with unexpected plot developments.

Ultimately, the choice between seeking or avoiding spoilers reflects a shared human need for control over our emotional experiences. Spoiler avoiders cherish the thrill of suspense, while seekers prefer the comfort of foreknowledge. Both perspectives highlight the complexity of our relationship with storytelling.

Returning to Naweed’s experience with the Severance season finale, rather than fleeing from spoiler-laden discussions, she chose to stay and engage. This decision provided her with an opportunity to delve deeper into the plot, reinforcing the idea that while knowing the ending is valuable, the journey of discovery is equally significant.

In the end, the interplay between spoilers and our emotional engagement with narratives reveals much about our desires for control, suspense, and satisfaction. Spoiler alert: the journey is just as important as the destination.

A sophisticated scam has emerged in New Zealand, marking the country’s first SMS blaster attack. The operation, which took place in July 2023, involved a 20-year-old international student, Chenwei Zhang, who was approached through the messaging platform WeChat by an unidentified individual. He was offered several thousand dollars to drive around Auckland for up to ten hours a day while connected to a mysterious electronic device.

Zhang later discovered that he had unwittingly participated in a scheme that exploited technology to send fraudulent text messages, commonly known as smishing. This particular scam utilized a device capable of mimicking cell towers, allowing it to send fake messages that appeared to originate from reputable banking institutions. Recipients received texts falsely claiming that their accounts at ANZ and ASB banks had been compromised. These messages included links to illegitimate websites designed to harvest sensitive personal data.

How the Scam Operated

The device used in this operation was engineered to “effectively hijack” nearby mobile phones, sending out messages through the same phone numbers typically associated with the banks. This tactic not only made the messages appear more credible but also significantly increased the likelihood that recipients would fall victim to the scam.

According to cybersecurity experts, similar scams have proliferated in other regions, particularly in parts of Asia, the United States, and Australia. The effectiveness of the SMS blaster method relies on its ability to exploit trust in established institutions, making it a dangerous tool for fraudsters.

Zhang, who was studying in New Zealand, expressed that he did not fully comprehend the implications of his actions when he accepted the job. He believed he was simply helping someone in need of assistance. “At first, I thought it was just a job to help someone out. I had no idea I was involved in something illegal,” he stated.

The Broader Implications

This incident raises significant concerns regarding cybersecurity in New Zealand. As technology continues to evolve, so do the methods employed by cybercriminals. The New Zealand government and law enforcement agencies are now under pressure to enhance their measures against such threats.

Officials from both ANZ and ASB banks have issued warnings to customers, urging them to remain vigilant against suspicious messages and to report any fraudulent activity immediately. They stressed the importance of not clicking on links from unknown sources and verifying any unusual communications directly with the banks.

As authorities investigate the origins of the attack, including its connections to China, this incident serves as a reminder of the global nature of cybercrime. The case highlights the need for increased awareness and education about digital security for individuals and organizations alike.

In light of this alarming development, New Zealand’s regulatory bodies may need to revisit current cybersecurity policies to better protect citizens from similar threats in the future.