For a species that spends about a third of our lives sleeping, it’s surprising how often we struggle with it. Whether it’s the glow of our phones or racing thoughts, a good night’s rest can feel frustratingly elusive. But a TikTok sleep expert has shared an incredibly simple trick that promises to help you fall asleep—and it works “every single time.”
The TikTok Sleep Hack Taking the Internet by Storm
Heather, known on TikTok as @prettysickheather, shared her go-to sleep hack with her 22,000 followers. “I learned this about 20 years ago,” she said. “My kids know how to do it, my husband knows how to do it—we all use it.”
Heather explained that even with her regular sleep routine, the occasional sleepless night still happens. “Last night, I took my supplements too late in the day, so I had to get up and pee,” she joked. Returning to bed, she employed her trusted method and was asleep again in minutes.
“I’ve never made it past two cycles of this without falling asleep,” she added. Intrigued? Here’s how it works.
The Step-by-Step Eye Movement Trick
Heather’s technique is as simple as it is effective. “You’ve got to do this with your eyes closed, but I’ll demonstrate with them open,” she began.
The process involves moving your eyes in a deliberate sequence:
- Look all the way up with your eyes closed.
- Look all the way down.
- Shift your gaze left, center, and then right.
- Next, imagine your eyes tracing a clock—move them clockwise, then counterclockwise.
“It might look ridiculous, but it works,” Heather assured. She emphasized doing the movements slowly and deliberately. “I made it through one and a half cycles last night before I nodded out.”
Why This Hack Works
While Heather didn’t dive into the science, sleep experts often point to eye movements as a way to calm the nervous system. The repetitive motion mimics Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, a stage associated with deep rest and dreaming.
By focusing on this simple exercise, you distract your mind from intrusive thoughts and lull it into relaxation. As one commenter on TikTok put it, “It’s like tricking your brain into thinking it’s already asleep.”
Relatable Sleep Struggles
Heather’s hack resonated with many viewers who shared their own bedtime battles. One follower quipped, “I can’t do this—I’m too busy thinking about that embarrassing thing I did 12 years ago.” Another added, “Middle-of-the-night wake-ups are my prime overthinking time for past, present, and never-gonna-happen scenarios.”
Others admitted they turn to fantasies or daydreams to pass the time when sleep won’t come. “I just start imagining life with my crush,” one user commented. Heather’s hack offers a healthier alternative to these late-night mind wanderings.
The Universal Appeal of Quick Fixes
Part of the hack’s popularity lies in its simplicity. Unlike other sleep aids, this technique doesn’t require special equipment, supplements, or apps. “You can do it anywhere, anytime,” Heather said. “And you don’t even have to get out of bed.”
For those who feel silly trying it, Heather reassures, “Remember, your eyes are closed. No one can see you, and you’re already in the dark.”
Viewer Reactions and Humor
The TikTok comments section became a space for both humor and solidarity. One user joked about needing to stay awake to listen to their partner describe their workday. Another said, “This beats counting sheep—I always lose track after ten!”
Heather’s lighthearted approach to sleep struggles seemed to resonate deeply. “She makes insomnia feel less lonely,” one follower shared.
Additional Tips for Better Sleep
While Heather’s trick is a game-changer, good sleep hygiene is still important. Experts recommend keeping your bedroom dark, cool, and quiet, avoiding screens before bed, and establishing a consistent bedtime routine.
“Sometimes, all it takes is small adjustments,” Heather added. Her hack isn’t a replacement for broader strategies but an effective tool for those occasional restless nights.
The Power of Simplicity
Heather’s method reminds us that sometimes, the best solutions are the simplest ones. “We tend to overcomplicate sleep,” she reflected. “But this little trick proves it doesn’t have to be hard.”
Whether you’re dealing with a midnight bathroom run or a stressful day that keeps your brain buzzing, Heather’s hack offers a quick and reliable path back to dreamland. “Give it a try,” she encouraged her followers. “It might just change your nights.”
Read More: Airport Worker Shares Travel Hack That Will Help Stop Your Luggage from Getting Lost
This content has, in part, been generated with the aid of an artificial intelligence language model. While we strive for accuracy and quality, please note that the information provided may not be entirely error-free or up-to-date. We recommend independently verifying the content and consulting with professionals for specific advice or information. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the use or interpretation of this content.