Nerd Church - A Simple Sleep Game To Help You Get A Good Night's Snooze

(Warning: this post references Coronavirus/Covid 19. It also talks about sleep problems a lot, but you probably guessed that.)

I go through periods of having trouble sleeping through one thing and another, and with Covid Lockdowns very much in place, it wouldn't surprise me if other people are also having trouble dropping off.

(Ironically my main sleep problem right now has four paws, a tail, and wants to play at 3 in the morning.)

So, while there may be a variety of factors that might stop you from getting to sleep, and any number of things to help you actually fall asleep, I thought I'd let you in on my simple trick for nodding off.

Disclaimer time!

I am not a medical, sleep, or mental health professional.

I am a random Welsh girl with a sleep hack that works for me, and that I hope can help other people too.

This isn't going to work for everyone - do what's right for you, and don't stop doing other things that help you drop off and get a good night's sleep. 

This is simply another tool for your toolbox.

My Sleep Game

Counting sheep doesn't always work, right?

That's mostly 'cos it's too boring.

I heard somewhere - I think it might've been an old episode of QI* but I'm not sure - that in order to fall asleep, you need something interesting enough that you won't stop doing it (hence the issue with counting sheep) but not so interesting that you actually wanna stay awake to keep doing it.

So I came up with this.

*For Non-Brits: QI is short for 'Quite Interesting' - it's a comedy panel show based around random facts, previously hosted by Stephen Fry, and now has Sandi Toksvig at the helm.

Via Giphy

Step 1 - Pick a letter

You can start at A, or just pick some random-a** letter like P - whatever you want.

Step 2 - List as many names as you can starting with that letter

I find first names works best for me, but you can also use surnames, band names, song titles, whatever.

Don't let yourself speed through it - make sure you mentally verbalise (i.e. say clearly in your head,) each name. 

(Bonus tip: you can work on slowing your breathing to match the syllables of the name.)

The plan is to sleep - not to make a complete list.

Step 3 - When you start repeating names for a letter, move on to the next letter

You'd be surprised how quickly your brain starts repeating itself - it's actually a good thing, in my experience it means you're getting closer to sleep.

Still, when you notice yourself repeating names, you need to move on to the next letter so that you don't get bored and stop listing before you actually fall asleep.

Again, the point here isn't to make a complete list - it's to keep your brain occupied with something which isn't too mentally stimulating.

And that's it! Yes, it really is that simple.

Like I said, it's not going to work for everyone, and it may not work every time - but if it helps then go for it!

Sweet dreams, dearest nerdlets!

Any sleep hacks or tips?

Talk to me! 💤💬

You can follow me on Twitter @CeeDoraReads, on Pinterest, and on Dora Reads @ BlogLovin. For more ways to support me, check out the Support Me page

Previous Nerd Church Posts:

• Nerd Church - What's Behind the Covid Arts and Crafts Boom?

• Nerd Church - The Writer Diaries: 4 Random Realisations About Writing

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