New ‘Hanging’ Insomnia Treatment Sparks Alarm Over Potential Deadly Risks
Bizarre "Hanging" Insomnia Cure Sparks Alarm: Experts Warn of Deadly Risks
(Images: 1) Sun Rongchun demonstrating the harness; 2) Person suspended mid-swing; 3) Close-up of cervical spine diagram.)
A viral trend in China, where people dangle from neck harnesses to combat insomnia, has left social media users stunned—and medical experts horrified. Videos show individuals swinging from metal bars using belts strapped around their heads, a method claiming to cure sleeplessness. However, doctors warn the practice risks paralysis, stroke, or death.
Origins of the Trend
The technique was developed by Sun Rongchun, 57, from Shenyang, who sought relief from cervical spondylosis, a degenerative neck condition affecting his sleep. His homemade harness design, intended to alleviate spinal pressure, gained traction online as a insomnia remedy. One X post showcasing the method has amassed 11 million views, with supporters attributing improved sleep to "cervical spine traction"—a medical therapy using controlled stretching to ease neck pain.
Medical Warnings
Neurologists emphasize that the spine isn’t built to withstand full body weight. Dr. Siddhart Gautam (Mumbai) warns of vertebral fractures, nerve damage, or ruptured blood vessels, which could trigger strokes. Dr. Manish Chhabria adds that prolonged pressure might cause fatal neck injuries. Reports in Chinese media cite at least one death linked to the practice: a Chongqing man fatally injured while using a tree-mounted harness in 2024.
Insomnia’s Toll and Safer Solutions
Over 5 million Brits suffer chronic insomnia (struggling to sleep ≥3 nights/week for 3+ months). NHS guidelines prioritize cognitive behavioral therapy over pills due to addiction risks and side effects like dementia. Despite this, desperation drives some to extreme measures like harness hanging.
Social Media Reactions
While some viewers joke it’s a “way to sleep forever,” others highlight the placebo effect. Experts stress that no evidence supports hanging as a sleep aid.
The Takeaway
As bizarre health hacks proliferate online, this case underscores the dangers of unverified remedies. For insomnia, stick to science-backed treatments—not gravity-defying risks.
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(Images suggested: Sun Rongchun in his harness; person mid-swing demonstrating technique; medical diagram of cervical spine vulnerabilities.)
