3 ms·
I don’t suffer insomnia, but when I do notice I’m not falling asleep, because I’m ruminating, I shift my attention to the random noise of the visual field of my
by skygazer 5y ago
I don’t suffer insomnia, but when I do notice I’m not falling asleep, because I’m ruminating, I shift my attention to the random noise of the visual field of my closed eyes. I “observe” the patterns: sort of a dull swirling, shifting static; and fall asleep within a minute or two. They are somewhat mesmerizing. I’ve asked others if they can also see such patterns with their eyes closed and haven’t found anyone that recalls them.
- IntrepidWorm 5y agoI do suffer insomnia, and though I haven't relied on using this particular phenomenon to fall asleep, I have noticed it, usually between sleeping and waking. Typically, I notice it upon being awoken by soft stimulus but not feeling the need to completely wake, and I have noticed them when falling asleep (presumably more common than I observe, as I only remember instances where I have actually failed to fully sleep). They typically fade for me if I pay too close attention, however, and I transition to full wakefullness. My issue is more of an 'unquiet and overactive mind' as well as this irrational (but very unshakable) sense that there simply aren't enough hours in the day to accomplish my goals, and that sleeping would be admitting failure in some regard.
- scythmic_waves 5y agoI see this! I didn't think to ask if other have. Watching it doesn't help me fall asleep, though.
- fcsns 5y agoThis is also a meditation/mindfulness technique I've heard described in some guided practices, so I think anyone could definitely do this. For me it does require various levels of focus/effort when I try it at different times.