Massage therapist debunks claim that you can fall asleep in 2 minutes by rubbing your wrists — here are tips on how to have a restful sleep at night
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If you're one of those people who just can't seem to get a good night's sleep, you might be desperate to try anything. So when you see a video claiming that rubbing your wrists can help you fall asleep, of course, you're going to give it a try.
But does it actually work?
According to professional massage therapist Ingrid Galloway from Blys, the answer is maybe.
The trick, which was made popular by TikTok user @youngeryoudoc, involves finding the spot on the inside of your wrist and rubbing it in a circular motion for two or three minutes until you fall asleep.
Ms Galloway said: "There is no harm in trying it."
"This spot on your wrist is called the Heart 7 Point (HT7), which helps calm the mind."
TikTok user @youngeryoudoc went viral on social media after he shared a hack that can make you fall asleep in 2-minutes. Credit: TikTok/@youngeryoudoc.
In traditional Chinese medicine, this spot or "pressure point" is called Shenmen — a Chinese term that roughly translates to 'gate of the spirit'.
It was said that this pressure point can treat emotional conditions like insomnia, stress, anxiety, and irritability.
Ms Galloway has, however, noted that this trick won't likely work with people who are suffering from chronic insomnia.
She advised: "I don't think rubbing their wrist for two minutes will do it as a standalone remedy."
"Chronic insomniacs need to fully relax, need to prepare their environment, and allow their body to be receptive to sleep."
Massage therapist Ingrid Galloway said that the tip may not work for everyone. Credit: Ingrid Galloway.
So, what exactly should you do if you have a hard time sleeping at night?
Health experts recommend having a "good sleep hygiene routine" at night to help you have a restful sleep.
Sleep hygiene routine:
- Sticking to regular sleep patterns
- Staying in bed for no more than 8.5 hours
- Relaxing before bed
- Creating a comfortable environment
- Not using electronics in your bedroom
- Avoiding naps during the day
- Avoiding looking at the time if you can’t sleep
- Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and cigarettes
- Avoiding sleeping pills
- Seeking proper treatment if required
Source: Health Direct
For those who are curious about the 2-minute sleep hack, we recommend checking out the video below.
Credit: TikTok/@youngeryoudoc
In the video, the doctor is seen using his two fingers to press his pulse point with a circular motion.
He said: "All you have to do is rub that spot on your wrist for two to three minutes."
Aside from the sleep hack, the doctor also shared some tips to increase mobility and decrease stress.
According to the medical practitioner, rubbing your jaw in a circular motion can help improve your mobility. He demonstrated this in a stretch, and it looks like it really works!
To combat stress, the doctor recommends an icepack to the chest, which 'stimulates the vagus nerve' and forces the body to relax.
So there you have it. If you're struggling to sleep, give this tip a try — but don't be too disappointed if it doesn't work for you. Remember, good sleep is usually dependent on getting a few things right, rather than one ‘magical cure’, so if this tip doesn’t work for you, take a more holistic look at your sleep hygiene.
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