There's nothing more annoying than being dead tired but lying awake, unable to catch some Zs.
The odd night of poor sleep might not ring alarm bells, but if you're regularly skimping on rest, you're flirting with serious health problems like diabetes and heart disease.
However, it's not all bad news; there are nifty ways to help you fall asleep quicker. Skin expert Dr Scott Walter has shared a snooze-inducing hack he wishes he'd known earlier, saying it's been a "real game-changer" for him.
READ MORE: Teacher reveals exactly what time children should go to bed according to their ages
READ MORE: Drinking water before bed can cause long-term health problems, says sleep expert
Taking to TikTok, Dr Walter said: "I'm a doctor and sometimes I have trouble falling asleep, and I'm going to tell you about the method which was like a light switch moment for me, once I'd learned it."
Before spilling his secret to a good night's rest, Dr Walter clarified that his technique avoids "something like taking melatonin", the synthetic version of our natural sleep hormone, "or other supplements". It also "doesn't involve taking a hot shower before bed or even reading," he pointed out, reports the Express.
The doc has let slip a "simple mental exercise" dubbed "cognitive shuffling", which is likened to mixing up a pack of cards. It's designed to help you shuffle your thoughts around, much like you would with a deck of cards, to steer clear of the conscious thought patterns that might be keeping you awake.
Dr Walter advised: "Just thinking of random words objects that have nothing to do with each other, for example cow, leaf, sandwich." He suggests doing this until you drift off.
For those who struggle to come up with random words, there's another trick. "First, pick a letter of the alphabet, two, you start counting your heartbeat, then every eight beats you think of a word that begins with that letter," Dr Walter added.
This technique works wonders because it not only sidetracks your mind but also induces what he calls "micro dreams", which happen just as we're about to nod off. By practising this method, you're essentially telling your brain it's time to hit the hay, the health guru explained.
For the latest lifestyle tips and advice, visit our dedicated page
