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The technique of “mental walking” would make it easier to fall asleep, by tricking the brain. Explanations.
In France, one in three people suffers from sleep disorders, according to Inserm. A more than widespread scourge, often treated with medication. But some “softer” tricks would also seem to work. This is the case of mental walking, a meditative technique validated by Pr Matthew Walker, sleep specialist, in the podcast Zoe Science and nutrition.
An imaginary walk
To fall asleep better, the specialist explains that it is advisable to visualize a “walk” at bedtime.
“Think of a walk that you know very well”, he recommends. “It can be a walk in the woods, a hike, or a stroll on the beach, and then try to really visualize it. Concentrate to the point of thinking ‘I see myself leaving the front porch of my house, I’m walking down the steps. walk, i’m leaving.”
According to him, this surprising method would make it possible to fight effectively against insomnia.
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“Secure” the brain
A theory validated by Joanna Shurety, a health and well-being coach interviewed by the British media Stylist.
“When our brain disturbs our sleep, it’s often because we’re ‘tired but mentally tense’‘” she points out.”A mind walk is worth trying as it is very similar to mindfulness and meditation. It’s about bringing our brain to a place of safety, calm and relaxation.“.
In summary, this well-being walk conditions our brain: it will help it to calm down and relax, by stimulating the release of soothing hormones.
During this imaginary walk, Joanna Shurety also recommends focusing on your senses (wind, feeling of the sun on your skin, smell of undergrowth, etc.) and on the environment.
It remains to be seen whether this method works with all sleepers.