We've all experienced long sleepless nights when even counting sheep doesn't seem to help. Fortunately, a technique going viral on Tik Tok may be the solution. Emily Kessler, a meditation expert, has shared a "weird trick" to fall asleep faster in a video that has garnered a lot of attention. Known as the "house tour sleep hack," this technique is based on imagination.
Kessler suggests starting with a few deep breaths to calm the body and then visualizing a house that is familiar (but not your home). The idea is to take yourself on an imaginary tour of this house, focusing on every detail. According to her, this helps to get rid of excessive thoughts and consequently, helps you fall asleep faster.
In the comments, people are divided between curiosity and skepticism. "I find it a bit scary," someone writes. While another adds: "I confirm, it's the only thing that has helped me." But does this technique really work?
To find out more about this trend, we spoke to a sleep expert to break down the science behind this method and find out if it can really help.
What is "house tour sleep hack"?
As Kessler describes it, this technique is a visualization method that aims to help you fall asleep faster. To try it out, choose a house that you know well (but that is not your home). Start taking an imaginary tour of the house, noticing every detail: the rugs, the windows, the artwork.
Sleep expert Rex Isap says, "It's these little details that make the experience more immersive and help relieve stress." Many people, including Kessler, report falling asleep before completing the imaginary tour.
Does this technique work?
"It has the potential to help a lot of people," says Isap. "This method is based on visualization techniques, which are proven to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation." However, not everyone will react the same to this method.
"Sleep is very personal and what works for one person may not work for another," explains Isap. If you try this technique and it doesn't help, don't stress. It's important to find what works for you, as trying to impose a method can increase stress levels and disrupt sleep.
If you find that you often have trouble sleeping, it may be a good idea to consult a doctor for more personalized advice.
How to make it more effective?
If you want to try this method yourself, here are some tips that can make it more effective:
Choose carefully: Choose a home that brings back positive memories. Isap suggests focusing on a place that evokes feelings of warmth and comfort.
Focus on the details: To avoid stressful thoughts, focus on small details. For example, notice the colors, shapes and textures of the furniture.
Take your time: This is an exercise that requires patience. "While the idea is to move around the house, do so naturally, without a specific purpose," says Isap.
If you try this method and it doesn't help you immediately, you can combine it with deep breathing exercises. Isap recommends the 4-7-8 technique: Breathe in through your nose for four seconds, hold your breath for seven seconds, and exhale through your mouth for eight seconds. This helps slow the heart rate and calm the mind.
If you are one of those who struggle every night with insomnia, it might be worth giving this new method a chance. After all, all you need is a little imagination and desire to take a smooth journey in your mind.
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