The column 'Health Myths' addresses a pressing question regarding sleep: Can excessive sleep actually harm one's health? While it's well-established that sleep deprivation is detrimental, there is a widely circulated belief that too much sleep could be linked to severe health issues such as heart attacks, diabetes, and premature death. This concept is particularly disconcerting, especially during the darker months when many individuals struggle to rise in the morning. The dilemma raises the question of whether these claims are substantiated or merely a reaction from those who battle insomnia and suffer while others enjoy restful nights.

The article suggests that the notion of oversleeping as a health risk may stem from societal attitudes towards sleep, where being unable to fall asleep is a common struggle. This could lead to a backlash effect where those who don't sleep well take issue with the idea that too much sleep could be harmful, viewing it as a criticism of their plight. Particularly in winter months, many people find themselves wanting to sleep in longer due to the darker mornings, leading to concerns about whether this behavior could ultimately impact their health negatively.

In summary, the column invites readers to rethink common sleep myths and emphasizes the importance of understanding the individual nature of sleep needs. It encourages an open dialogue about sleep habits without stigma, acknowledging both sides of the sleep spectrum—those who harm themselves by under-sleeping and those who might be unfairly labeled 'lazy' for needing more rest.