Woman says 'voodoo magic' hack helps her fall back asleep in the middle of the night
A woman has shared a trick she was told would help her fall back asleep instantly if she found herself awake in the middle of the night - and it's amazing people
It's frustrating when you can't get back to sleep (stock image)
(Image: Kilito Chan via Getty Images)
It can be incredibly exasperating when you wake up in the middle of the night, only to glance at your phone and realise it's still hours until your alarm is due to go off. You yearn to drift back into sleep immediately to snatch those extra few hours, but sometimes it can seem like an unattainable task.
Frequently waking up during the night and struggling to return to sleep can be a symptom of insomnia. Everyone requires different amounts of sleep based on their age, but if you're not getting enough, you'll likely feel perpetually fatigued throughout the day.
One woman stumbled upon a trick that could help her fall back asleep instantly in such situations, and she was astounded by its effectiveness. Dermatologist Jenna Coackley shared on her @jenna_coack TikTok account that she initially doubted the trick could work after discovering it on Instagram.
She added: "But I've tried it a couple of nights in a row and it literally works. It's the best trick I've ever tried."
She then posted screenshots of her Oura Ring data, which can monitor metrics including sleep and heart rate. From two separate nights, it showed she had spent around 1hr 20mins awake during the night.
However, the first time she attempted the trick, it showed she'd only spent 24 minutes awake, and the second time, 31 minutes. Jenna then proceeded to explain the trick.
With your eyes shut, you look right, then left, then up, then down, and finally, your eyes circle around before reversing the direction. According to Jenna, all you need to do is repeat this until you drift back to sleep.
Jenna delved into the science behind the technique, explaining that it activates your "parasympathetic nervous system", and "tricks your brain into thinking it's in the REM cycle". "I don't know, it feels like some type of voodoo magic," she added.
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Several people tried the trick for themselves, with one individual exclaiming: "You've saved my life."
Another chimed in: "Yes! We do this in therapy and it regulates your nervous system.
"I kinda do that too... except I add crossing your eyes at the end ... it really does work!!!" said another.
However, the method didn't prove successful for everyone, with one person offering an alternative approach: "That hasn't worked for me. But what does work is running through the alphabet and picking a category to name off things within the category per letter. As many as you can think of. I don't ever recall making it past D or E before dozing off."
According to the NHS, adults require seven to nine hours of sleep each night, while children need between nine and 13. Toddlers and babies should get 12 to 17 hours.
Insomnia can be caused by numerous factors, but there are steps you can take to help, such as altering your sleeping habits.
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Attempt to maintain a consistent sleep schedule, unwind at least an hour before bedtime, ensure your bedroom is dark and quiet, and engage in regular exercise throughout the day. If you've made these lifestyle adjustments and still struggle with sleep for months, it's time to consult your GP.
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