If you constantly smell odors that people around you cannot smell, you may be suffering from a condition known as “olfactory hallucinations” (Phantosmia), which is a term used to describe the sensation of odors that do not exist in reality. That is, the perception of odors that have no real source, according to WebMed.
These odors may range from very unpleasant odors that cause nausea to pleasant ones, but most people with this condition smell unpleasant odors, such as the smell of burning things, putrid odors, rotting things, sewage, or chemicals.
The affected person may feel these odors in one or both nostrils, and they are not necessarily continuous, but may appear and disappear from time to time.
What are the causes of olfactory hallucinations?
Experts point out that there are several factors that may lead to olfactory hallucinations, including: head injuries, upper respiratory infection, epileptic seizures that affect the temporal lobe of the brain, sinusitis, Parkinson’s disease, and infection with the “Covid-19” virus.
If you notice that you are smelling odors that are not there, it is important to consult a doctor, who may conduct a comprehensive physical examination and review your medical history, to ensure that there is no other underlying cause behind this condition, such as a brain tumor. Doctors may also need to rule out another similar disorder that affects the sense of smell, known as parosmia.
In this case, the person perceives odors differently from their actual nature; For example, he may see a banana, but smell rotting meat instead of its usual smell. This disorder usually occurs when an upper respiratory infection causes damage to the tissues of the nose and nasal cavity.
What problems can olfactory hallucinations cause?
Smells and tastes greatly affect mood; While pleasant smells can improve mood, the constant sensation of unpleasant odors as a result of olfactory hallucinations may lead to a decline in quality of life. This condition may also cause depression, loss of appetite, and weight loss. In addition, olfactory hallucinations may involve other risks, such as the inability to distinguish the smell of spoiled food or detect a gas leak. As for people who work in professions that require a strong sense of smell, such as chefs, perfume makers, and firefighters, olfactory hallucinations may make them unable to perform their work properly during certain periods.
Can working fewer hours lead to improved health and increased productivity? A new bill in the US Congress reopens the debate about the ideal work week, proposing to gradually reduce it from 40 to 32 hours. This step comes in light of studies linking long working hours to a higher risk of stroke and heart disease, as well as a decline in productivity after exceeding 50 hours per week.
The 32-Hour Workweek Act, introduced by Vermont Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders and California Representative Mark Takano, would gradually reduce work hours over four years. It also allows employees to receive additional pay for any hours worked that exceed eight hours per day.
Study: 37 hours a week may be the optimal period
Economists at Duke University have found that the optimal workweek is closer to 37 hours, if the goal is to improve employee well-being. However, the results showed that reducing working hours to 32 hours may also achieve an improvement in their level of well-being. In 2025, the researchers wrote, the size of the expected gains depends, in particular, on how the new policy affects employees who report currently working very long hours.
Long working hours increase the risk of stroke and heart disease
Studies indicate that working long hours is associated with a higher risk of serious health problems, including stroke and cardiovascular disease. A government study conducted in France in 2019 found that people who work, on average, one ten-hour day per week have a third higher risk of stroke, compared to those who do not regularly work long hours.
Productivity declines after 50 hours of work per week
According to a study conducted by Stanford University in 2013, productivity begins to decline after exceeding 50 hours of work per week. Last year, Dr. Adam Borland, a psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic, likened the human ability to work for long periods of time to the performance of a car, explaining that “the car does not operate at its best efficiency when the fuel tank is empty.”
Madame Tussauds Dubai Museum unveiled a wax statue by the Egyptian artist Ahmed Helmy, and Helmy celebrated the unveiling of his statue, which embodies his wax “twin,” in a step that represents a new addition to his artistic career, and highlights his presence in Arab cinema. His wife, the artist Mona Zaki, mentioned in a fun video on Instagram that she did not differentiate between Helmy and the wax version of him at the beginning of the video. The event coincides with Helmy’s return to the screen with the movie “History,” which is scheduled to be released in Egyptian and Arab theaters on November 11, 2026.
The museum displays, in each version, high-accuracy three-dimensional statues of celebrities in art, sports, politics, and historical figures in life size. The museum's main and oldest headquarters was established in London in 1835 by the French sculptor Marie Tussaud, and today it has transformed into an international entertainment chain with more than 20 branches spread over 4 continents.
