Hacker News Reader

Comment by mantas | Hacker News Reader

Maybe difference is short-term happiness vs sustainable. Looking at all kinds of addictions, just giving the right conditions to release happiness chemicals is not sustainable. Meanwhile putting some constraints and forcing the body in a certain way is harder but more sustainable? Sustainable as in longer term and for community as a whole.

View on HN

That’s not what I meant! If you sleep in a really dark room; if you do not take your phone into your bedroom; if you do a short breathing exercise before you sleep, then, scientists tell us that your body will secrete melatonine and you will feel happier. This is hot short term! Not sure why people are offended by this fact.

But those things are "behavioral recipies that the SELF must enforce on his body". My body doesn't do breathing exercises on its own, and it wants to look at the phone screen before sleep. I have to consciously work against those tendencies. Same with eating. I'm certainly happier long-term if I don't just listen to my body and eat all the delicious things I see in my daily life.

> My body doesn't do breathing exercises on its own, and it wants to look at the phone screen before sleep...

You are right, that's why I said, or I was trying to say, that as the conscious self, I will prepare the most favorable environment for the body to relax and have deep sleep.

This is putting constraints on your body though. How the hell can you leave Facebook on the other side of bedroom door? Why would you force your body to exercise? Taking melatonin may have unforeseen circumstances though. Just like eating too much sugar.

No! I'm not talking about taking melatonin supplements at all. Given the right conditions the body produces it. I didn't even know you could take it as a supplement.

I guess I read that "take melatonin" part (which is now removed) in a different way.. :)

Yes. That was confusing.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com