Cognitive Shuffling: A Unique Approach to Better Sleep
Cognitive shuffling is a mental technique designed to help calm your mind and promote better sleep. Developed by Dr. Luc Beaudoin, this method involves thinking of random, unrelated words or objects to distract the brain from stressful thoughts, making it easier to drift off to sleep.
Here’s how it works: As you lie in bed, pick a random word, such as “cat,” and picture various objects that start with the letter “C” — like “car” or “cake.” Then move on to the next letter “A” and think of words like “apple” or “ant.” The goal is to keep your mind occupied with harmless, neutral thoughts that don’t stimulate stress or anxiety, which are common reasons for sleeplessness.
By engaging the brain in a relaxed, non-pressured activity, cognitive shuffling encourages the mind to lose focus on anxious thoughts, allowing the body to naturally fall asleep. Unlike traditional counting methods, this approach introduces randomness, preventing the brain from becoming bored or frustrated.
If you’re struggling with insomnia or overactive thoughts at bedtime, cognitive shuffling may be a helpful, non-invasive technique to try for a restful night’s sleep.
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