If counting sheep isn't working, a doctor has suggested a simple technique to help calm an overactive brain and fall asleep faster. Dr Joe Whittington, known on TikTok for his health advice, recommends the 'Infinity Tracing Technique' to reduce sleep latency—the time it takes to fall asleep after turning off the lights.
In a video, Dr Joe explained: 'Brain won't shut up at night? Do you ever lay in bed at night overthinking all of the embarrassing things you've done since childhood? Same. I'm going to teach you a technique that might help you calm your overactive brain... Try this weird but effective trick to calm racing thoughts and actually fall asleep.'
The technique involves holding a finger in the air and slowly tracing an infinity symbol with it, following the movement with your eyes only. Dr Joe said: 'What this does is activate your vestibular center which is involved with your balance and eye movements.' This activation is thought to calm racing thoughts, similar to distracting a toddler with a shiny object.
Many commenters compared the technique to Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, a treatment used for conditions like PTSD. The Sleep Foundation notes that normal sleep latency is between 10 and 20 minutes, and 89 percent of Americans struggle with sleep quality.
