Body scanning: A natural remedy for sleepless nights
Many of us struggle with sleep problems, often due to a flood of thoughts. Dr. Alexis Kennedy offers an effective method to manage them.
Sleep issues are frequently caused by an overwhelming stream of thoughts, making it difficult to fall asleep. Dr. Alexis Kennedy from the University of Nevada, who specializes in dealing with stress and trauma, recommends the body scanning technique as an alternative to sedatives. Instead of reaching for medication, it's worthwhile to focus on sensations coming from the body.
What is the body scanning method?
Dr. Kennedy suggests starting the scan from the feet and moving up to the head. "Begin at the feet and stop only at the top of the head; pay attention to the sensations in each part of the body. Focus on all sensations. Pause and maybe you'll notice warmth, happiness, tingling," she explains in a TikTok video.
Make sure not to skip any areas, such as the ankles or knees.
Gratitude as a key to relaxation
Dr. Alexis Kennedy also highlights the importance of expressing gratitude to each part of the body, which might seem unusual but aims to activate the reward system. This involves expressing gratitude simply, such as saying "Thank you for helping me."
Dr. Kennedy summarizes that in this way, you activate the reward system, which further promotes relaxation and encourages the brain to release dopamine and oxytocin. If we combine the practice of body awareness with gratitude training, we are essentially serving ourselves a natural sleep cocktail, adds Dr. Kennedy.
