Roll Your Eyes to Fall Asleep
Scientifically, it is known as Eye Movement Desensitization Response or EMDR if you’d like to look it up. Long ago it was known as counting sheep, jumping over the moon, etc. It’s so simple you might have a hard time believing it. Well, since there is nothing to lose while you’re lying awake, give it a whirl! Just roll your eyes 5 times clockwise then 5 times counterclockwise. Do 4 or 5 sets…or less if you’re already asleep!
For the analytic minded, this is how it works: The constant stream of thoughts that keep us awake can be filed away with eye movement. During the REM (rapid eye movement) phase of sleep, your brain files away fragmented thoughts into the appropriate locations for proper retrieval at appropriate times. Rolling your eyes jump starts the REM state and files those thoughts away and puts you to sleep.