PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — An old wives' tale is defined as a superstition or a traditional belief that is regarded as unscientific or incorrect.
Our parents or grandparents may have told us some of these things, but many of these tales are actually true, and studies support them.
A great example is the saying that if you don't get enough sleep, you will get sick. Recent studies have looked at this association between sleep and health very closely, and a link has been established between sleep and its impact on our immune system.
An example: Normally, our body can fight viruses that can make us sick, but when we are sleep-deprived, we are more vulnerable. Not enough sleep actually increases your chances of getting sick.
Get more medical reports from Dr. Brian McDonough.
KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
