THREE MORE UNUSUAL WAYS TO HELP YOU NOD OFF...

LISTEN TO BACON FRYING

You might think listening to the sound of food cooking would make you hungry rather than sleepy. But last year a recording of bacon frying went viral after people claimed it helped them sleep.

It is thought some sounds, including food frying, can produce an autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) in the brain. This creates a pleasurable tingling feeling and helps people unwind. EXPERT VIEW: “ASMR has very little research behind it with regards to sleep,” says Neil. “Some sounds can help you to fall asleep, but only ones you find to be meaningless rather than meaningful.”

PLAY OPPOSITE SOUNDS

It’s well-known noise can disturb us in the night. Now Bose has launched sleep headphones called Sleepbuds (bose.co. uk) that cancel disturbing noises by playing sounds of the opposite frequency. EXPERT VIEW: “Sounds do wake us up at night,” says Neil. “If you move into a house near a noisy road, it can take weeks to get used to it – if ever. Using technology to mask meaningful noises is beneficial.”

HUM LIKE A BEE

This unusual relaxation technique, also known as bhramari pranayama, has been used by yoga devotees for centuries to rid the body of tension. Take a deep breath, and exhale while humming like a bee. It’s claimed this creates a healing vibration to help the mind prepare for sleep. EXPERT VIEW: “Breathing exercises help relax body and mind,” says Neil. “But it’s important to avoid humming a song – this will wake you rather than relax you.”