
What is ‘cognitive shuffling’ and does it really help you get to sleep?
Is there any science behind this TikTok trend? Cognitive shuffling attempts to mimic the thinking patterns good sleepers typically have before drifti…
Dr. Karan Rajan, a prominent medical professional, has shared a unique technique designed to help individuals fall asleep in under five minutes, addressing the common challenge of restless nights. Dubbed "Cognitive Shuffling," this method aims to combat overthinking, a primary cause of sleep disruption. According to Dr. Rajan, when individuals are unable to sleep, they often enter a cycle of overthinking, which triggers a stress response, further hindering sleep. This technique is presented as a biological equivalent to "holding down the power button" on a device, effectively resetting the brain's active thought patterns. The "Cognitive Shuffling" process involves selecting a random word, such as "bedtime." For each letter of this chosen word, the individual is instructed to think of and visualize as many random words as possible that start with that specific letter. For instance, for the letter 'B' in "bedtime," one might visualize a baby, butter, or a banana. The key is to continue this visualization until the mind becomes bored with that letter, then move on to the next letter of the initial word. Dr. Rajan emphasizes the importance of visualizing these words, explaining that this process simulates "micro dreams" – the fleeting images that occur as one transitions into sleep. This mental exercise helps to calm racing thoughts and disengage the mind from repetitive, disruptive patterns, thereby facilitating a quicker and more natural progression to sleep. The technique offers a simple, accessible approach for those struggling with insomnia or difficulty winding down at night.
Is there any science behind this TikTok trend? Cognitive shuffling attempts to mimic the thinking patterns good sleepers typically have before drifti…