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Time of India
10 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
This viral 'voodoo magic' trick is helping people fall back asleep: How simple eye motions may drift you to sleep
Waking up at 2 a.m. and struggling to fall back asleep can be frustrating, and staring at the ceiling only makes it worse. But a new viral trick gaining traction on TikTok might offer surprising relief. Nicknamed 'voodoo magic' by users, the technique involves slow eye movements performed with your eyes closed. It may sound odd, but emerging science suggests there's real neurological merit behind it. Drawing from research on sleep stages, relaxation, and eye movement therapy, experts believe this simple habit could help ease the mind back into sleep. Here's what to know before trying it during your next sleepless night. Viral sleep movement, aka the voodoo magic trick: how simple eye motions may puts you back to sleep Waking in the middle of the night can feel maddening—every second awake drags on. Amid endless bathroom trips and mind chatter, a TikTok trend has captured attention: a simple set of eye motions, performed with closed eyes, is being touted as 'voodoo magic' for falling asleep again. Users describe a sequence: look right, left, up, down, then sweep in full circles both clockwise and counterclockwise. Practitioners claim it sends them drifting back to sleep in seconds. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 11 Foods That Help In Healing Knee Pain Naturally | Zen Life Mag Undo While the method hasn't been tested directly in sleep trials, underlying research on eye movements and autonomic relaxation offers a possible scientific explanation. The science behind eye movements and relaxation Studies exploring Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) offer the most relevant data. EMDR is primarily used in trauma therapy, but physiological findings include notable autonomic effects: explicit eye movements during therapy appear to shift the balance from sympathetic (arousal) to parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) activity. In one study, heart rate and skin conductance decreased while finger temperature increased during eye movement tasks, mirroring patterns observed in early sleep stages—particularly REM sleep onset. Physiologically, REM onset is typically marked by slow rolling eye movements similar to controlled motion. Though voluntary motions don't perfectly mimic REM, they may cue the brain toward relaxation. Research by Ogilvie found that slow eye rolling correlates with drowsiness and sleep onset, supporting its potential role in signalling restfulness. A broader review of begin-sleep transitions underscores that these processes are complex but often involve slowing eye movements alongside shifting neural rhythms. How simple eye motions might support sleep While no clinical trials have tested this exact TikTok trick, its effects might be explained through established mechanisms: Cognitive distraction: By focusing on eye movement, internal noise, like racing thoughts, may fade, allowing attention to settle inward and calm. Parasympathetic activation: Similar to EMDR, bilateral eye motion may activate parasympathetic pathways, slowing physiological arousal and preparing the brain-body system for sleep. Sleep onset mimicry: Eye motion arrest during REM onset naturally corresponds with transitioning into sleep. Voluntary rolling motions may softly cue that same directional focus, nudging the brain toward rest. Practical guide: using the eye trick mindfully If you wake up overnight and want to try the technique, here's a structured approach: Keep your eyes closed to block new visual input. Perform the sequence slowly: right, left, up, down, then circle one way, then the other, pausing at each point. Breathe deeply and evenly: inhale for four counts, exhale for six while you move your eyes. Repeat as needed, staying mindful rather than anxious. Avoid checking screens or clocks, which break the sleep cycle momentum. Other sleeping strategies for middle‐of‐the‐night awakenings If this eye motion trick isn't effective for you, peer-reviewed research supports several reliable alternatives: Paradoxical intention: Rather than trying harder to sleep, lie quietly with eyes open and mentally resist sleep. This method reduces performance anxiety and promotes natural sleep onset. Cognitive distraction/counting: Engage in neutral mental tasks like counting backwards or reciting calm imagery to override intrusive worries. Relaxation breathing or progressive muscle relaxation: These methods shift the nervous system toward parasympathetic dominance and reduce arousal without pharmacological aid. No direct clinical trials validate the viral eye trick exactly. However, academic research on eye movement, autonomic regulation, and sleep transitions offers plausible mechanisms: distraction, parasympathetic activation, and mild mimicry of sleep onset signals. Importantly, these effects rely on focus and intention—not literal magic. Still, the technique's simplicity, cost‑free nature, and screen‑free engagement make it a low-risk option to try during nighttime awakenings. While individual results vary, for many, it may be enough to quiet the mind and encourage drowsiness. Also Read: No fixed bedtime raises heart attack and stroke risk by 26% and even 7-8 hours of sleep won't protect you
Associated Press
a day ago
- Health
- Associated Press
Meaningful Life Counseling Introduces Innovative Trauma-Informed Relationship Counseling CT
Meaningful Life Counseling launches a trauma-informed program for relationship counseling in CT, using EMDR and EFT to help couples build stronger connections. 'Trauma can affect how couples interact, and our program provides a space to process those experiences collaboratively, allowing partners to develop empathy and rebuild their emotional ties.'— Yonah Fenton, LMFT WOODBRIDGE, CT, UNITED STATES, July 30, 2025 / / -- Meaningful Life Counseling, a leading provider of relationship counseling CT, today announced the launch of its innovative trauma-informed therapy program specifically designed for couples. Led by licensed therapist Yonah Fenton, LMFT, this program addresses the growing need for healing emotional wounds that often undermine partnerships, offering evidence-based approaches like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to foster resilience and deeper bonds. Available in-person at 1 Bradley Rd #707, Woodbridge, CT 06525, or via secure tele-therapy across Southern Connecticut, the initiative comes at a time when trauma's impact on relationships is increasingly recognized as a key barrier to emotional well-being. Couples seeking relationship counseling in CT are encouraged to take the first step toward healing. Schedule a 15-minute consultation today by visiting or calling (203) 871-1383. In today's fast-paced world, many couples in Connecticut face unseen emotional scars from past traumas—whether from childhood experiences, relational betrayals, or life stressors—that manifest as disconnection, anxiety, or recurring conflicts. According to recent studies, childhood trauma can significantly influence outcomes in couples therapy, with individuals who have experienced adverse childhood events (ACEs) often requiring specialized interventions to achieve lasting progress. Meaningful Life Counseling's new program tackles this head-on by integrating trauma-informed principles, ensuring therapy is safe, collaborative, and empowering. Unlike traditional counseling, this approach recognizes how trauma affects both partners, helping them process old pain without re-traumatization and rebuild trust in a supportive environment. The program's foundation lies in evidence-based methods tailored for relationship counseling CT. EMDR, a proven technique for trauma processing, allows clients to reprocess distressing memories that fuel relational patterns, leading to quicker relief from symptoms like hypervigilance or emotional numbness. Combined with EFT, which focuses on attachment and emotional responsiveness, couples learn to identify and express vulnerabilities, transforming cycles of criticism or withdrawal into moments of genuine connection. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) elements are also woven in to challenge negative thought patterns and promote actionable change. Clients typically notice meaningful shifts within the first few sessions, with many reporting reduced anxiety and improved communication after just a few months. Statistics underscore the urgency and benefits of such trauma-informed care. A report on ACEs in Connecticut highlights that reducing trauma exposure could save the state's Medicaid program significant costs, while nationally, trauma-informed therapies have been shown to improve outcomes for those in relational distress. In couple therapy contexts, recipients are often 70%–80% better off post-treatment compared to those without intervention, particularly when addressing trauma's role in conflict. For Connecticut residents, where stress from urban living, work demands, and post-pandemic recovery amplifies these issues, this program offers a lifeline. It solves common problems like emotional disconnection—where one partner feels unheard or the other overwhelmed—by equipping couples with tools to navigate triggers and foster empathy. Key features of the trauma-informed relationship counseling CT program include: - Personalized Assessments: Initial sessions identify trauma's specific impact on the relationship, creating a tailored plan that respects each partner's pace. - Safe Processing Techniques: Using EMDR to desensitize painful memories and EFT to rebuild secure attachments, ensuring therapy feels empowering rather than overwhelming. - Practical Tools for Daily Life: Couples receive strategies for de-escalating arguments, expressing needs, and building resilience against future stressors. - Flexible Access: In-person meetings at the Woodbridge office or virtual sessions via secure platforms, making it convenient for busy professionals and families in Southern CT. - Holistic Support: Integration of CBT for mindset shifts, with options for individual sessions if needed, to address intertwined personal and relational traumas. This launch aligns with broader trends in mental health, where trauma-informed care is gaining traction for its holistic benefits. In Connecticut, initiatives like the state's Trauma-Informed Care Best Practice Guide emphasize identifying and treating trauma to prevent long-term effects, including in family dynamics. Meaningful Life Counseling's program extends this to couples, helping them not just survive but thrive. Clients often describe the experience as transformative, moving from a place of pain to one of hope and mutual understanding. For instance, high-functioning adults who aren't in crisis but seek clarity find the program particularly valuable, as it prevents small wounds from becoming irreparable rifts. About Meaningful Life Counseling Meaningful Life Counseling, located at 1 Bradley Rd #707, Woodbridge, CT 06525, specializes in evidence-based therapies including EMDR, EFT, and CBT for adults and couples throughout Southern Connecticut. Founded by Yonah Fenton, LMFT, an AAMFT Clinical Fellow with extensive training in trauma and relational dynamics, the practice helps clients move from anxiety, disconnection, and frustration to clarity, emotional strength, and meaningful connections. With a focus on practical, results-oriented sessions available in-person or via tele-therapy, Meaningful Life Counseling empowers motivated individuals and pairs to achieve lasting change. Jonas Fenton Meaningful Life Counseling +1 (203) 871-1383 email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
New York Post
2 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
My ‘voodoo magic' trick will get you back to sleep in seconds if you wake up in the middle of the night
Eye can't believe this works. There's nothing more frustrating than waking up in the middle of the night and struggling to get back to sleep. Thankfully, one woman may have just stumbled across a shockingly simple but effective way to ease back into slumberland. Advertisement 3 'I've tried it a couple of nights in a row and it literally works — like it's the best trick I've ever tried,' Jenna Coak says in a video on TikTok. TikTok/jenna_coak 'I saw this trick on Instagram for falling back asleep if you wake up in the middle of the night and I was like, no way does this actually work,' Jenna Coak says in a video on TikTok. '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.' Keeping your eyes closed, you look to the right, then the left, up, down and around in a circle and around the other way — that's it. Advertisement Repeat the process as many times as needed to drift off. Coak was so blown away by this sleep hack, she said it felt like 'some type of voodoo magic.' But is there any science behind it? 'EMDR [eye movement desensitization and reprocessing] is a type of trauma therapy where patients move their eyes left and right repeatedly, in essence to calm the body while they're processing traumatic memories,' Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist, told The Post. Advertisement 3 Coak was so blown away by this sleep hack, she said it felt like 'some type of voodoo magic.' samiramay – 'There is some evidence that these eye movements may indeed increase parasympathetic nervous system activity. With the knowledge that these eye movements may have a calming effect on the nervous system, I could see how this might be beneficial for some people.' However, Dr. Stephen Carstensen, a dental sleep medicine specialist, isn't quite as convinced. Advertisement 'I can't say it doesn't work because the woman says it does, for her,' he told The Post. 'There's nothing in brain science that says it should, though, and plenty of science to say it should not.' He's especially dubious about its ability to shepherd forward the dream sleep stage known as REM. 3 Keeping your eyes closed, you look to the right, then the left, up, down and around in a circle and around the other way — that's it. Andrii Lysenko – 'REM is a special part of sleep that can't be controlled or started by a conscious effort,' he said. 'The brain can't be tricked into thinking it is in REM. Science doesn't know why the eyes move during REM; during this phase they just dart back and forth, not rolling in opposite directions. That takes brain control, which means the brain is not asleep.' However, he admits that it's possible that just thinking about the trick — as opposed to something more stressful — was what made it work. Advertisement 'I think the woman was ready to fall back to sleep and maybe thinking about something simple like eye movement kept her from having more troublesome thoughts,' he said. Dimitriu agrees — at the end of the day, it's all about the mind. 'Not thinking and not stressing and anything that can keep your mind clear will likely help your sleep,' he said. Advertisement 'If focusing on eye movements or breath clears your mind, use it! Just don't go near that phone!' Other techniques that he recommends include box breathing — breathing in for 3 seconds, holding the breath for 4 seconds and exhaling for 7 — and repeatedly tightening and relaxing the muscles throughout the body, also known as systemic relaxation.
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Health
- Associated Press
New Research Spotlights Mobile EMDR Apps as a Lifeline for People Facing Barriers to PTSD Treatment
A study shows the Healing Trauma App Series, based on EMDR therapy, can reduce PTSD symptoms by 40%. Created by psychologist Mark Grant, the apps aid those lacking access to therapy and are now backed by research and over 100,000 downloads worldwide. Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, July 29, 2025 -- Melbourne, June 19, 2025 – As mental health systems worldwide struggle to meet rising demand, a new 2025 study highlights a promising digital solution for people living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) especially those unable to access regular therapy. Published in the Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, the peer-reviewed study evaluated the Healing Trauma App Series (HTAS) a suite of four self-guided mobile apps grounded in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) principles. Developed by Australian psychologist Mark Grant, the apps were tested in a pilot randomized controlled trial involving 77 adults with PTSD, many of whom also experienced anxiety, chronic pain, and sleep issues. The Results: Measurable Impact Without Traditional Therapy Participants who used the app series for three months showed a statistically significant reduction in PTSD symptoms, averaging around 40% improvement. In addition to trauma relief, many reported better sleep, emotional regulation, and reduced pain. What makes this study especially noteworthy is not just the symptom relief but who benefited and how. 'We saw real progress in individuals who weren't receiving any other form of therapy at the time,' said lead author and developer Mark Grant. 'These tools show promise as practical support for people who fall through the cracks- whether due to financial, geographic, or systemic barriers.' A Bridge Between Self-Help and Therapy The HTAS apps combine audio guidance, bilateral stimulation (BLS), and trauma-focused imagery to replicate key elements of EMDR therapy, a treatment traditionally available only through trained professionals. The app suite includes: Unlike general wellness apps, these were purpose-built for trauma survivors, informed by clinical experience and EMDR methodology. While not a substitute for in-person therapy, the study suggests they may offer a stepping stone to care or a supplemental tool for those already in treatment. Meeting an Unmet Need With therapy access limited for many due to cost, location, or overloaded systems tools like HTAS may help fill a critical gap in care. Mental health professionals increasingly recognise the role of research-backed digital support in broadening access to trauma care. The study's authors recommend follow-up research with a larger sample size and therapist involvement to explore long-term outcomes and improve adherence. Already in Use- Now Backed by Data With over 100,000 downloads worldwide and consistently high user ratings, the Healing Trauma App Series is already helping people who might otherwise go without support. This study now offers scientific validation to support years of anecdotal success. Contact: Mark Grant Email: [email protected] Study Link Citation: Grant, M., Lau, R. C. K., & DiNardo, J. (2025, April 25). Feasibility and Potential Efficacy of a Mobile App Series Based on Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: A Pilot Randomized Control Trial with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Comorbid Problems. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 19, Article 0003. About the company: Overcoming Pain is a mental health initiative founded by Australian psychologist Mark Grant. It delivers self-guided tools for trauma‑related distress, chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, and low self-esteem, focusing on how traumatic stress impacts both body and mind. One of its major foundations is the Healing Traumatic Stress App Series, a suite of mobile applications built on Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) principles and bilateral stimulation (BLS). Each app targets specific symptoms: Anxiety Release: calming sessions to regulate stress responses Sleep Restore: dual-track programs (falling asleep and returning to sleep) blending BLS, guided meditation, and sleep hacks Developed by Mark Grant, who has over 30 years of clinical and research experience in trauma-informed pain treatment, the company blends neuroscience, imagery, self-hypnosis and brain training. We connect users to evidence-based self-help tools, books and audio resources, workshops, therapist supervision, and a rich library of articles on EMDR and trauma recovery. Contact Info: Name: Mark Grant Email: Send Email Organization: Overcoming Pain Address: Melbourne, 1 Holroyd St, Kew, VIC 3101 Phone: +61 402 122 173 Website: Video URL: Release ID: 89165944 In case of identifying any errors, concerns, or inconsistencies within the content shared in this press release that necessitate action or if you require assistance with a press release takedown, we strongly urge you to notify us promptly by contacting [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our expert team is committed to addressing your concerns within 8 hours by taking necessary actions diligently to rectify any identified issues or supporting you with the removal process. Delivering accurate and reliable information remains our top priority.
National Geographic
2 days ago
- Health
- National Geographic
How knitting may be rewiring your brain
From knitting to woodwork, slow and steady hobbies may offer surprising brain benefits, including reduced stress and better long-term memory. Photograph by Dusan Ladjevic, Getty Images 'Grandma hobbies' like knitting are making a comeback among Gen Z—but it's not just for nostalgia. Neuroscience shows these tactile pastimes may help preserve brain health as we age. The rhythmic click of needles. The softness of yarn running over fingertips. The satisfying logic of knit, purl, repeat. Knitting—and other so-called 'grandma hobbies'—is making a comeback, especially among younger generations. According to Eventbrite data, Gen Z's interest in 'grannycore' gatherings, such as knitting circles and needlework workshops, has surged in recent months, driven in part by a search for relief from digital burnout. But the benefits go beyond nostalgia. Recent studies suggest that slow, tactile tasks, such as knitting, may activate brain systems in ways that support long-term cognitive health in various ways, including engaging memory, attention, and motor function, while helping to regulate stress. In other words, regardless of age or gender, engaging in hands-on, mentally demanding hobbies—whether knitting, wood carving, or model building—may be one of the simplest ways to support brain health. Here's what the science says. How knitting activates your brain While meditation and puzzles also offer brain benefits, knitting uniquely combines fine motor coordination, creative planning, and rhythmic bilateral movement—all of which engage different brain systems at once. This kind of creativity in any capacity is helpful, says Emily Sharp, a licensed therapist at NY Art Therapy. That bilateral stimulation—created by the alternating use of both hands—is similar to what's used in EMDR therapy, says Sharp, adding that this type of stimulation is linked to reduced cortisol levels, increased serotonin and dopamine, and improved emotional regulation. It also engages the brain's dopamine system in ways that can improve focus and potentially delay age-related cognitive decline, says Alvaro Pascual-Leone, professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School and chief medical officer at Linus Health. A 2024 study in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience supports this outlook, demonstrating how creative endeavors activate the brain's dopaminergic reward network, particularly in areas deeply involved in pleasure, motivation, and mood. But unlike the dopamine spikes triggered by scrolling or sugar, knitting provides a slower, steadier reward. (Do crossword puzzles really keep your brain sharp?) That's key, Pascual-Leone says: 'It's not good to have too much [dopamine], it's not good to have too little. A steady, pleasant functioning of the brain is better than a binging of chemicals.' Plus, since activities like knitting require planning, sequencing, and problem-solving, they activate executive function alongside motor and emotional systems. This full-brain engagement helps reinforce neural connectivity, a crucial tool for maintaining the brain's flexibility and resilience as we age. If you are already an accomplished knitter, don't pat yourself on the back just yet. The cognitive benefits of activities like knitting aren't about the task itself—they're about the process of learning something new. 'If you've never knitted, then knitting is perfect,' says Pascual-Leone. 'But if you are a professional knitter, then not so much. It can give you a sense of accomplishment, which is valuable, but the goal is to make your brain work on solving a challenge it has never done before.' (Here's why adults need to make time for playtime.) Novelty matters. When you challenge the brain with unfamiliar tasks, such as learning to knit, it lights up new pathways, offering a unique neurological boost. With time and repetition, those same actions become fluent and meditative, allowing the brain to shift into a restorative flow state. This challenge-to-mastery arc helps maintain neural plasticity. However, you must continually reinvent the challenges for your brain as you master old ones. The good news? The cognitive challenge doesn't have to be big or lofty, says Pasucal-Leone: 'What is actually critical is to give your brain a challenge it hasn't yet mastered.' Cognitive decline begins to develop decades before there's any outward evidence, says Lakelyn Eichenberger, a gerontologist and caregiving advocate at Home Instead, which is why engaging in mentally stimulating hobbies throughout one's life is so important. 'Challenging your brain in these ways will be really good for you in terms of long-term brain health,' she says. For aging brains, creative hobbies can offer a form of low-stakes cognitive training—mental workouts that strengthen neural wiring and flexibility over time. Sharp says tactile hobbies create 'greater brain connectivity that helps aging populations where neurons are naturally dying off as the aging process happens.' Activities like quilting, cross-stitching, whittling, pottery, or even bookbinding offer similar cognitive benefits, especially when they involve both hands, sequence-based thinking, and a learning curve. (Here's why having a hobby is good for your brain and body.) While there is a notion that we are better off engaging in tech-driven activities targeted at brain health, Pascual-Leone says we may only need those tools because we've abandoned traditional pastimes. Unlike brain games or apps, these tactile activities offer emotional benefits, which can help reduce cortisol levels and meet the brain's need for social interaction, says Eichenberger. Group knitting circles or crafting classes, for instance, can help reduce loneliness and provide emotional grounding, especially during major life transitions such as retirement. Eichenberger adds that 'people who engage in these activities often report themselves as happier, healthier, and more satisfied with life.' A meta-analysis in BMC Public Health underscores this point, highlighting how hands-on, repetitive hobbies may boost psychological well-being. Other research shows that among individuals with Parkinson's disease, creative art interventions improve memory, dexterity, and emotional resilience, suggesting benefits even in late-stage neurodegeneration, indicating it's never too late to start these hobbies. 'We focus so much on the medical side of aging,' Eichenberger says, 'but we have to consider our physical, mental, and emotional health, and these leisure activities are part of that.'
