Are you tired of tossing and turning at night, struggling to fall asleep? You're not alone. According to the National Institutes of Health, one-third of U.S. adults don't get the recommended uninterrupted sleep for optimal health. Many factors, such as stress from work, family responsibilities, and social obligations, can make it challenging to unwind and drift off easily most nights.
A TikTok clip by a wellness expert suggests a natural sleep hack that claims to help you fall asleep faster by stimulating a specific pressure point behind your ear known as anmian. By massaging this spot in a circular motion, it is said to relax the central nervous system and promote quicker sleep onset. The anmian pressure point connects with branches of the vagus nerve, which regulates the autonomic nervous system and activates the 'rest and digest' parasympathetic relaxation response.
As someone who occasionally struggles to fall asleep, a test was conducted on this viral ear trick. Incorporating the anmian pressure point massage into the bedtime routine for seven consecutive nights, the individual found the massage to be relaxing but did not notice significant changes in the ability to fall asleep faster. While it helped in feeling more relaxed and possibly contributed to a slightly quicker onset of sleep on some nights, there was no dramatic improvement in sleep latency.
Individual experiences may vary, and this technique may be more effective for others. It's worth trying to see how it works for you. Remember to listen to your body and adjust the technique to maximize comfort. Consistency in practice may yield better results in falling asleep faster and enjoying a more restful night's sleep.
