This is really interesting.
It would be cool to do an experiment to see if people heal faster when they are happy.
So we would need to inflict a (small) wound on someone and see how long it takes to heal.
Then do the same thing but alter their mental state and see how long the healing process takes.
I'd be up for that. :-)
My hypothesis is that in a happier state the wound heals faster - or - it seems to heal faster to the patient.
My biggest problem with studies like this, is that the stats can say whatever you want them to say.
I'd really like to see practical studies done to find out
1 - does being happier equal healing faster with less complications?
2 - can we induce that mental state to increase healing outcomes?
Good luck getting ethics approval for the study however ;-)
That would be a tough one to get approved as you say! I think it is easier to look at people who are being wounded for a reason i.e. surgery and maybe get them to watch comedy videos vs documentaries (serious ones not feelgood ones) - as long as it is not abdominal surgery or jaw surgery obviously.
It's an interesting question for sure.
But more interesting is why are you awake at this hour!?
It must be something like 3am over there.
Get some sleep! :-)
No it is 1 am but I am going to go to bed shortly :)
Well make sure you do. We can't have doctors being tired you know. It affects their health and well being. :-)
And we need you to be well, to keep us well.
I will be more sensible once I am back at work lol probably!