Why thousands of insomniacs are rolling their eyes at 2 a.m. (and falling asleep)

Do you also spend nights tossing and turning and staring at the walls and hope that at least one night you can get that perfect sound sleep but always end up disappointed? Then you must read on, as a viral sleep hack is helping people to get that good night's sleep in just a few minutes, and yes, it is without consuming any sedatives.

Here's a viral trend that has been a respite for people struggling with sleep disorders; read on to find out more about it!Is it actually worth the hype?For over a decade, sleeping through the night has been a battle. Many people spend thousands of dollars on sedatives, alternate medicines, meditation apps, white noise machines, and weighted blankets, but what may change the dynamics of fixing sleep is a free hack that requires a bizarre exercise and this is what makes it viral.

The bizarre trickThe method is incredibly easy: just close your eyes and roll your eyeballs slowly from side to side, then up and down, and finally in circles, both clockwise and counterclockwise. You just keep the movements slow and even until you drift off. The hack became a viral trend after surgeon Dr. Katelyn Tondo-Steele shared it on Instagram. She claimed it worked for her 14 out of 15 times when waking up in the middle of the night, sparking millions of views and endless positive comments.

Why may it work?Interestingly, the hack is not just another fad or fancy viral trick; rather, it is a simple trick based on a neurological theory. As per a report published in a digital daily, it was mentioned that pediatric neurology nurse Kiara DeWitt explains that forcing your eyes into slow, smooth arcs simulates the natural movements of REM sleep, signaling the nervous system to wind down. Psychiatrist Ishdeep Narang points to a simpler psychological reason.

Waking up usually triggers panic about being tired the next day. This technique hijacks your attention, replacing anxious thoughts with a boring, physical task.

What the science saysUnfortunately, there is no direct research on this specific method. Ophthalmologist Dr. Gregg Feinerman notes that while rhythmic motions can redirect focus from anxiety, relaxation happens in the brain, not the eyes. As per a report published in the HuffPost, citing a sleep specialist, Alex Dimitriu confirms the approach is purely anecdotal right now.

He notes that unlike this viral trend, methods like box breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and Yoga Nidra are backed by substantial scientific evidence.How this hack may backfireFor others, the trick did more harm than good. Erika Lavin, who has managed insomnia since childhood, tried the hack during a middle-of-the-night panic attack. The eye movements actually made her feel more alert, feeding into her anxiety rather than stopping it.

Denise Murray tracked her two-week trial with a smartwatch and found her heart rate actually increased. The movement made her hyper-aware of her body, shifting her brain into an analytical mode about work.

By night 10, it took her twice as long to fall asleep, so she quit.Who should try it?Since it is free and safe, there is no harm in giving it a shot, provided you keep your expectations realistic. Just remember to keep the movements gentle, and consult a doctor first if you have eye conditions like glaucoma or retinal issues. Most importantly, if it doesn't work after a few minutes, stop.