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‘Can’t sleep? Don’t count on melatonin supplements, expert says

The trending pursuit of a so-called “God Life” — a hyper-productive, self-disciplined lifestyle — has led many young Koreans to believe sleep is expendable. But sleep deprivation, especially in the long term, could come at a steep cost, warns a leading psychiatrist. “Some people say, ‘You can sleep when you’re dead,’ but pushing your body to the limit increases your risk of physical and mental illness,” said Prof. Cho Cheol-hyun, a psychiatrist at Korea University Anam Hospital, in an interview. The term “God Life,” a blend of the English word “God” and the Korean character for life, refers to a life of extreme self-discipline — often showcased on social media as waking up before sunrise, hitting the gym, and maximizing every waking moment. But as heatwaves and sleepless nights persist, Cho cautioned that trying to recoup lost sleep with daytime naps could actually worsen sleep disorders. He also dismissed the effectiveness of over-the-counter melatonin supplements. “They have little real impact on sleep,” he said. Unlike prescription melatonin, which mimic

Jul 30, 2025By Hankookilbo
‘Can’t sleep? Don’t count on melatonin supplements, expert says

Should you turn off the AC when leaving? How to avoid a power bill shock this summer

With record-breaking heat gripping the country, air conditioner use has surged in households — and so have concerns about soaring electricity bills. On social media, various “power-saving tips” have gone viral, such as “It’s better to leave the AC running than turning it on and off” or “Use dehumidifying mode instead of cooling.” While energy experts caution that there's no one-size-fits-all answer — since factors like temperature, humidity, and floor layout vary — they largely agree on one thing: If you’re stepping out for a short time, don’t turn off the AC. 'Don't turn it off for short outings — it's the inverter system' According to a 2023 article from Samsung Electronics’ newsroom titled “Tips from developers on maximizing air conditioner energy efficiency,” researchers at Samsung’s Air Solution Technology Lab conducted real-world experiments to assess energy use. They found that if you’re leaving for less than 90 minutes, keeping the AC on is more efficient. In contrast, if you’re gone for longer, it’s better to turn it off and restart it up

Jul 12, 2025By Hankookilbo
Should you turn off the AC when leaving? How to avoid a power bill shock this summer

4 health tips to survive the summer heat

Summer is already here. Korea is experiencing one of the hottest Mays on record. Scientists warn that this summer could be among the hottest ever globally. Heat affects the body in many ways. It causes blood vessels to dilate, which can lead to lower blood pressure and force the heart to work harder to circulate blood. This may result in dizziness, nausea, headaches, fatigue and in extreme cases, even heart attacks if blood pressure drops too quickly. Excessive sweating also causes the body to lose fluids and salt, disrupting its balance. The heat can reduce appetite and leave you feeling sluggish. That's why staying hydrated and keeping cool are crucial during the summer months. Are you ready for the heat wave? The Korea Times has rounded up four practical tips to help you boost your immunity with the sweltering summer ahead. 1. Eat seasonal fruit for hydration, vitamins and minerals Nutritionists say summer fruit is a delicious way to help your body stay cool while also supplying key nutrients. Watermelon is a summer favorite for a reason — it’s about 92 percent water and loaded with

May 29, 2025By Kim Se-jeong
4 health tips to survive the summer heat

Blame the trees, not the flowers: How to survive spring pollen allergies

As the temperatures rise with spring, so too does the pollen count. Pollen disperses more widely on clear and sunny days, requiring extra caution during outdoor activities. Pollen allergies occur when airborne pollen is inhaled, triggering an overreaction of the immune system. Because the symptoms are similar to those of a cold, pollen allergies are often mistaken for viral infections. However, while colds usually resolve naturally within a few days, pollen allergy symptoms can persist as long as exposure continues, making proper diagnosis and management crucial. "Unlike a cold, pollen allergies typically do not cause fever, symptoms last for more than two weeks and they tend to recur at the same time each year," explained professor Park Il-ho from Korea University Guro Hospital’s otolaryngology department. Pollen allergies commonly cause allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, dermatitis and, in severe cases, bronchial asthma. Allergic rhinitis, with symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose, is the most common. According to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of con

May 4, 2025By KTimes
Blame the trees, not the flowers: How to survive spring pollen allergies
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