What do people think about when they go to sleep?

What Do People Think About When They Go to Sleep?

Have you ever felt like your mind is racing with thoughts even when you’re trying to fall asleep? According to many social media users, visualizing “fake scenarios” on TikTok can help individuals fall asleep faster.

But does research support the popular trend of conjuring imaginary storylines to induce sleepiness? And what exactly do people think about as they drift off to sleep?

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How Sleepers and Non-Sleepers differ

Good sleepers tend to exhibit a specific thought pattern before bed that sets them apart from those who consistently struggle with sleep. Studies have observed that people who sleep well typically rely on visual sensory images as they drift into REM sleep. This means they likely imagine vivid scenes, people, and even sense tactile sensations, allowing their imagination to wander in a peaceful manner. Interestingly, research has found that these individuals will often have more “dreamlike” experiences before sleep, making mental imagery an integral part of their night-time routine.

On the other end of the spectrum, people with insomnia reportedly have different types of thoughts before bed, ones that tend to be more focused on mental planning and problem-solving. These thoughts have been known to be less pleasant for individuals struggling with insomnia, and some have reported a sense of overwhelm and stress, further complicating their situation.

How Pre-Sleep Musings Can Interfere with Sleep

Unfortunately, all-consuming mental activity at bedtime can make relaxation a challenging feat. A range of research studies have validated the idea that the brain is always “on,” and it’s rarely in a state of complete remission, especially when we begin to feel stressed about the prospect of lack of sleep. A study once discovered that even those who suffer from sleep apnea occasionally experienced brief awakenings following sleep episodes.

Mindfulness Based Interventions for Sleep Difficulty

Another long-standing approach seeking to ease sleep disturbances is mindfulness meditation (MBI). Mindfulness involves allowing oneself to simply “be there” and not become entirely immersed in mental thoughts or worries (although they do occur). These exercises may provide the brain-wiring equivalent of a “fresh start,” making it more difficult to hold onto pre-sleep thinking patterns that tend to keep non-sleepers awake.

A particularly effective aspect of mindfulness meditation practices lies in the development of self-cognitive awareness, enabling individuals to effectively identify the source of their preoccupations, without succumbing solely to emotional or rational reaction. As you focus on your self, the narrative thread connecting ideas dissolves, freeing the mind

Cognitive Refocusing Therapy for Better Sleep

One established therapy known for its innovative approach is Cognitive Refocusing. Invented by Psychologist Les Gellis (University of Syracuse), this simple yet potent strategy aims

FAQs:

1. What specifically do people with insomnia think before sleep?

Insomniac individuals typically have pre-sleep rumination on problems, planning details, and anxiety related to the actual act of sleep itself.

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