For many, the quiet of the night can often be interrupted by the loud echoes of our own thoughts.
As we age, the stresses of life, from personal regrets to daily worries, can often find their way into our bedtime routine, turning what should be a restful period into a time of anxiety and restlessness.
But what if there was a simple, doctor-recommended technique to help quiet those persistent thoughts and usher in a peaceful night’s sleep?
Dr Joe Whittington, an emergency room specialist, has shared a straightforward and surprisingly effective method to help calm the mind when it’s time to wind down.
This technique, known as the ‘Infinity Tracing Technique’, is a tool borrowed from therapy and neuroscience, designed to settle overactive minds and could be particularly beneficial for those who often struggle with sleep disturbances.
The concept is simple yet profound: by engaging the brain in a gentle, repetitive activity, you can distract it from the whirlwind of thoughts that often lead to sleeplessness.
The doctor claims that this technique can ease your racing thoughts at night. Image source: Photo by Markus Kammermann on Unsplash
Dr Whittington likens it to ‘distracting a toddler with a shiny object—except the toddler is your brain’. While this comparison might bring a smile to your face, the science behind it is solid.
Here’s how you can do the Infinity Tracing Technique tonight:
- Find a comfortable position in your bed.
- Raise your index finger into the air above you.
- Slowly and methodically trace the shape of an infinity symbol (∞) with your finger.
- Keep your movements smooth and deliberate, and importantly, follow the motion only with your eyes, not your head.
Dr Whittington explains that this simple action activates the brain’s vestibular system, which is responsible for balance and eye movements.
By engaging this system, you can interrupt the cascade of racing thoughts and help regulate your nervous system, leading to a calmer state of mind that’s conducive to sleep.
While this technique is not a panacea for all sleep issues, nor is it a substitute for professional medical advice, it has been praised by many as a helpful and accessible tool to combat the nightly battle with overthinking.
Some of our readers have shared their experiences with nighttime anxiety and their own coping strategies, such as counting backwards by threes or visualising calming shapes, which also serve to occupy the mind with a benign activity.
It’s important to note that sleep disturbances can be a symptom of underlying health issues, and persistent problems should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
However, the Infinity Tracing Technique could be a valuable addition to your sleep hygiene practices for those occasional nights when your brain just won’t quiet down.
We understand the importance of a good night’s sleep, especially as it becomes more elusive with age.
We encourage our readers to try Dr Whittington’s technique and share their experiences. Have you found other methods that help you drift off to sleep? Do you have a nightly routine that prepares you for a restful slumber? Join the conversation below, and let’s help each other enjoy the rest we deserve
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It may be a really good technique for some, but when I turn the light out after I am in bed, the room is very dark, and I cannot see my hand in front of my face, therefore I will not be able to use this technique and will probably still have trouble getting to sleep !!