As the clocks go forward this weekend, many Britons are bracing for a lost hour of sleep. But ITV's Dr Amir Khan has shared a medically approved technique to help you drift back off if you wake up too early.
Speaking on the podcast No Appointment Necessary, Dr Khan recommended 'cognitive shuffling'—a method that distracts the brain with random, non-stressful thoughts. He suggested going through the alphabet, thinking of names starting with each letter. 'Start with A, then B, then C. I promise you, you won't get past E or F. You'll be asleep,' he said.
The technique has received rave reviews from those who have tried it. One fan commented: 'Honestly, it works! Shuts your brain off to the millions of other things we shuffle round our heads.' Another added: 'We call this the alphabet game in our house. I've done it since I was a child.'
Cognitive shuffling works by shifting focus from anxiety-driven thoughts to random imagery, mimicking the dreamlike state before sleep. It helps break the cycle of overthinking and triggers the parasympathetic nervous system.
However, Dr Khan advises that if sleep problems persist, you should consult your GP, as there may be underlying causes.
