Sleep. It’s something we all crave but often struggle to achieve. Tossing and turning under the covers, staring at the ceiling, or endlessly scrolling through our phones—sound familiar? For many of us, falling asleep can feel like a battle. Fortunately, there’s a surprisingly simple trick that a sleep expert swears by, and the best part? It works “every single time.”
The Common Struggle With Falling Asleep
Let’s face it—sleep doesn’t come easy for everyone. Modern life is full of distractions, from the glow of your smartphone to the endless to-do lists that run through your mind the moment your head hits the pillow.
On top of that, sometimes it’s the small disruptions—like getting up to use the bathroom or an unexpected noise—that completely derail your sleep. And once you’re awake, the frustration of trying to fall back asleep can make it even harder.
But what if there was a quick, simple solution to lull you back to dreamland? Enter the “eye trick” that’s taking the internet by storm.
Meet the Eye Trick: A Sleep Hack That Works
The now-viral sleep hack was shared by TikTok user Heather, who goes by @prettysickheather. With over 22,000 followers, Heather shared this game-changing tip that she’s been using for over two decades.
“I’ve never made it past two cycles of this without falling asleep,” Heather explained. That’s a bold claim, but if you’ve ever lain awake staring at the clock, you’re probably ready to try anything.
Here’s how it works:
- Close Your Eyes: This step is crucial—keep your eyes shut.
- Look Up and Down: With your eyes closed, move them all the way up, then all the way down.
- Move Side to Side: Next, look all the way to the left, bring your eyes back to the center, and then look all the way to the right.
- Make Circular Movements: Look up again, then slowly roll your eyes in a clockwise direction.
- Reverse the Circle: Now, roll your eyes counterclockwise.
- Pull It Together: Finish by gently pulling your eye movements back to the center.
Heather claims this simple exercise relaxes your mind and body, making it nearly impossible to stay awake.
Why the Eye Trick Works
You might be wondering: how does something so simple help with sleep? The answer lies in how the body and brain respond to relaxation techniques.
- Engaging the Parasympathetic Nervous System: These eye movements encourage relaxation by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for calming the body.
- Mimicking REM Sleep Movements: The circular eye movements resemble what happens during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, helping trick your brain into transitioning back to a restful state.
- Breaking Overthinking Cycles: The technique gives your mind something gentle to focus on, redirecting it from racing thoughts or stress.
The Science of Relaxation for Sleep
This eye trick isn’t the only method rooted in relaxation science. Techniques that combine physical and mental focus, like progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery, have long been proven to help with sleep. The eye trick operates on a similar principle—it’s simple, easy to do, and doesn’t require any special equipment.
How to Incorporate the Eye Trick Into Your Routine
If you’re ready to give this a try, here’s how to make it part of your nightly routine:
- Prepare Your Sleep Environment: Dim the lights, put away your devices, and ensure your room is at a comfortable temperature.
- Get Comfortable: Lie down in bed and close your eyes. Focus on slowing your breathing as you begin the eye movements.
- Stay Consistent: Practice this technique every night, even if you initially struggle to complete the sequence. The more you use it, the more effective it becomes.
Other Viewers Weigh In on the Hack
Heather’s eye trick has resonated with thousands of viewers, many of whom shared their own experiences—or struggles—with sleep.
One commenter humorously noted, “I can’t do this—I have to think about every embarrassing thing I’ve done in the past 12 years.” Another said, “Waking up in the middle of the night is my time to overthink every possible scenario.”
While these comments highlight the universal challenges of sleep, they also emphasize how important it is to have a practical tool like Heather’s trick in your arsenal.
Complementing the Eye Trick With Other Sleep Habits
While the eye trick is effective, pairing it with healthy sleep habits can amplify its benefits. Here are some additional tips:
1. Limit Screen Time Before Bed
The blue light from phones, tablets, and computers can disrupt your body’s natural production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. Turn off screens at least an hour before bedtime.
2. Stick to a Routine
Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day—even on weekends. This helps regulate your internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally.
3. Practice Relaxation Techniques
Consider combining the eye trick with deep breathing exercises, meditation, or light stretching to further relax your body.
4. Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment
Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. Invest in blackout curtains, a white noise machine, or a fan if needed.
5. Avoid Caffeine and Heavy Meals at Night
Limit caffeine intake in the afternoon and avoid heavy meals before bed to prevent disruptions to your sleep cycle.
Conclusion
Heather’s eye trick is a simple yet effective solution for those nights when sleep seems impossible to find. By combining gentle eye movements with a focus on relaxation, this hack helps you transition into a restful state quickly and naturally.
When paired with consistent sleep hygiene practices, the eye trick can become a go-to method for tackling insomnia or those frustrating midnight wake-ups. So, next time you find yourself tossing and turning, give it a try. Who knows? You might just discover the key to your best night’s sleep yet.
