Tossing and turning with a racing mind is a universal frustration. For those who find themselves staring at the ceiling night after night, a doctor has shared a simple yet powerful technique that many have never heard of. Dr. Amir Khan, an NHS GP and television personality, recommends a method called “cognitive shuffling” to help people fall asleep faster.
Dr. Khan explains that cognitive shuffling gives your brain “random things to think about that aren’t stressful and can be quite calming.” The most straightforward way to practice it is to go through the alphabet, thinking of a word for each letter. Start with the letter ‘A’ and think of a name or object that begins with it, then move to ‘B’, and so on. The goal isn’t to challenge yourself, but to gently occupy your mind with a mundane task.
The technique was developed by cognitive scientist Dr. Luc Beaudoin. It works by distracting your brain from the anxious or repetitive thoughts that often prevent sleep. By engaging in this low-stakes mental activity, you mimic the natural, wandering state of a mind that is drifting off, making it easier to transition into sleep naturally.
The response to this advice has been overwhelmingly positive. On social media, users have shared their success stories, with many confirming that the method works. Some have even adapted it, using categories like fruits, vegetables, or country names. If you’re among the many adults who struggle with sleep, this simple, drug-free technique is certainly worth a try.
