For people who struggle with sleep, the discovery of a truly reliable tactic for successfully driving into sleep is likely to be better than the question of intelligent life in the universe as life’s most compelling mystery. After all, we live in a world deprived of sleep – one there Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than 30% of adults get insufficient sleep. (Given that these numbers are pre-pandemic, you can only wonder what the percentage would realistically look like today …)
- Advertisement -
TikTok’s trick to fall asleep quickly
But leave it at that fitness and health-obsessed lots on TikTok to argue over a supposed sleeping trick, which was designated as “life-changing” by a psychologist in the UK who goes in the handle Psychologist.
@psychologeeThis changed my life! #learnontiktok #psychology #uni #tiktoktutorial #sleep #fyp #tiktokpartner♬ Rasputin (7 “version) – Boney M.
“My psychology professor [sic] told me that this trick should fall asleep in 5 minutes, “writes the user.” It cured my insomnia. “
She explains: Start listing things in your head but make sure they are not directly related. For example, potatoes, tarzan [sic], seggs, fiol … The more random, the better. “
To date, the short clip has been viewed much more than 3.7 million times, has 1.1 million likes and has generated no shortage of talk. “Omg thank you so much for this trick!”, Commented @aliciar. “It literally changed my sleeping game and I’ve tried everything!”
“THIS WORKSSSSSSSSSSSS”, says @Peppy. “I’ve always had the WORST insomnia, but the last week I’ve done it and fallen asleep soooo fast.”
RELATED: The Vitamin Doctor Who Encourages Everyone to Take Right Now
Others are not so safe. “This is not working,” says @albamoeller. “Some days my insomnia wants me to play random scenarios. Sometimes I think nothing at all.”
Other users are simply not sold on trying. “But how do I do that AND fantasize about life with Tom Holland?” asks @morganauten.
Daily habits that can affect your sleep
If you are struggling with insomnia, there are countless things you can do that affect your sleep – many of them happen far from your bedroom and long before you are in bed and are struggling for what to think about. If you do not have a regular rhythm for your day – and if you eat dinner too late – you will not fill your body for better sleep. Your caffeine intake and alcohol habits can also affect your sleep. You can be engaged in these nine eating habits that harm your sleep. And of course, there is also stress and anxiety.
What you can do to better log Z
But provided you do not sabotage your sleep with your lifestyle decisions, sleep specialist Suzanne Bertische, MD, MPH, of Beth Israel Deaconness Medical Center in Boston, has some night tips she gave to Harvard who can potentially help you.
- You should always get up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
- You should go to bed when you are actually sleepy. Trying to snooze before or after you are tired is less effective in helping you fall asleep quickly. If you are sleepy and still can not fall asleep, Dr. Bertische advises you to physically write down the things that can keep you awake, practice yoga or slow breathing and try other relaxation techniques (without a doubt, as the TikTok tip above tries to do!)
- You should keep your room cool and dark and definitely stop using your electronics for at least two hours before going to bed.
- Use your bed for only two things: sleep and sexAdvises Dr. Bertische. Working or doing other activities in bed only confirms in your mind that it is meant to be an active place.
If it works for you to engage in a free association of random substances in your mind as you pull away, go for it. And for healthier lifestyle advice from TikTok, see why this crazy-popular hiking workout works, say fitness experts.
