Psychologist Shares Unusual Sleep Inducing Tip That Is So Weird It Just Might Work

Insomnia, a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty in falling or staying asleep, has become more common in this technologically-advanced age because of the prevalence of smart devices. Studies have shown that too much exposure to blue-hued screens of our smartphones or tablets can cause sleep deficiency.

But many people have been suffering from insomnia even before cell phones were invented. There are certain conditions that increase the risk of acquiring this sleep disorder, including chronic pain, breathing difficulties, gastrointestinal and urinary problems, and high blood pressure.

There is a simple mental technique to overcome insomnia.

Over the years, we have been given different pieces of advice on how to fall soundly asleep. Some of them are even contradicting. But believe it or not, the most effective way of overcoming sleeplessness lies in a certain paradox.

Psychologist Arash Emamzadeh explained in an article posted in Psychology Today that the answer lies in something called the “Paradoxical Intention.” This mental technique is characterized by trying to stay awake to fall asleep.

Confused yet?

Paradoxical intention doesn’t necessarily oppose your intention to fall asleep but rather guides you in the opposite direction.

To be able to sleep, you should not try to sleep.

To top that off, Emamzadeh clarified that the effectiveness of this technique lies on how much you mean to stay awake. In short, do not fake it, else it won’t work.

Addressing those who remain doubtful of paradoxical intention, the psychologist said that it is quite like the instances when you try to stay awake to watch your favorite program or when you took a lot of work home. It is during those times that you feel most sleepy— even to the point that sleep overpowered you.

"You were forcing yourself to stay awake, but eventually allowed sleep to happen."

If this isn’t enough, you can also try his other tips for better sleep, including having a healthy routine before going to sleep, going to bed only when you’re truly sleepy, keeping the room sleep-conducive, and doing some relaxation exercises.