Dr. Harvey reports that one group counted sheep while another group tried a different method - picturing a relaxing scene. The folks in the second group fell asleep more quickly than those who counted sleep or those in yet another group who did nothing at all.
Counting sheep is a humdrum task, probably too boring to keep one's mind off the stress and worries that are causing the sleeplessness in the first place. Or, perhaps as another insomniac suggests, it's difficult to fall asleep while watching these wide-awake creatures bouncing merrily over a fence.
"Picturing an engaging scene takes up more brain space than the same dirty old sheep," says Allison Harvey. "Plus it's easier to stay with it because it's more interesting," she adds.
Another method, thought suppression, also failed to bring results. In this method, every negative thought, every worry should be immediately replaced with a positive thought or an affirmation. The problem is that coming up with these positive thoughts while burying the negative ones is a lot of work, and requires a lot of thinking, and thinking is just what the insomniac needs to avoid.
A peaceful scene, on the other hand, relaxes the mind and lets worries drift away. There is no need to think hard to create that peace. Just let your mind drift.
Go to bed, get comfortable and close your eyes. Then remember someplace where you felt at peace, perhaps at the beach, or sitting beside a lake or river. The sound of water is very soothing - the repetitious splash of waves or the never-ending song of a stream or river.
Perhaps you'll find your peace somewhere else - a prairie meadow or a mountainside. If you are unable to remember such a place, then use your imagination. CDs and tapes are available that can help you. Some of these use a soothing voice to lead you on peaceful journeys. Some incorporate the sounds of nature and soft music.
The idea of counting sheep is what's known as an old wives' tale. It may have originated because some shepherd boy fell asleep while watching his herd. The source is buried somewhere in antiquity. It's been touted as a cure for sleeplessness for years, but, like many of these urban myths, it just isn't so.
