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Banana sleep trick goes viral on TikTok: 'Life-changing'
Ah, TikTok. The land of viral dance crazes, funny videos and…insomnia cures? That’s right! A lack of Zzz’s is finding some people turning to the app for actual advice on how to get some quality shut-eye.
And after a recent video about the military trick to fall asleep in 2 minutes went viral, it's no surprise more people and medical professionals are sharing their top tips.
In particular, it seems bananas should be your new night-time best friend, according to one of the most popular tips compiled recently by the folks at B-Well CBD.
While you might have heard before that some things are good to eat in order to get a better night's sleep, as it turns out, there’s a reason why King Kong was always napping - it’s in the bananas!
Experts have explained that bananas are packed with magnesium and potassium, helping your mind relax as well as your muscles.
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By tucking into a banana not long before you go to bed, they stimulate the production of those key brain calming hormones and produce that soothing energy so you can enjoy some good quality Zzz’s.
And if you’re a tired parent with kids who just can’t seem to sleep through the night? The banana trick apparently works on bubs, too (check with your Dr that this is safe for your bub first), as savvy Mum Allison found out!
“This trick was life-changing!" she raved.
"I have had the absolute worst sleeper since the day she was born. We started the banana trick, we're about 8 months in and she sleeps through the night."
Other popular TikTok sleep hacks
Keep Your Feet Warm
Experts say keeping your socks on as you tuck yourself into bed for the night can actually help yourself get a better night of rest.
The process of warming your feet up helps to open up your blood vessels, cooling down your body so you can fall asleep faster and get that all-important shut-eye.
And this tip is even endorsed by a Dr!
“People that wear socks to bed tend to fall asleep faster,” says Dr Jess Andrade.
Gently massage behind the ear
This is why you wash behind your ears!
Although this may appear to be an unusual hack, rubbing the ridge behind your ear creates an acupressure movement. Simply rub the area in a circular motion around 100 to 200 times. The end result? Calming your nervous system to help you get ready for a great night of sleep.
Follow the 4-7-8 method
Another Dr endorsed hack is focusing your mind on your breathing pattern, which can really help the body drift off into a restful sleep. The process is simple; breathe in through your nose for four seconds, hold your breath for seven seconds, then release it through your mouth for eight seconds. Repeat this process four times before you go to sleep and see the difference for yourself.
“Here’s a super simple breathing technique that will help you fall asleep faster,” Dr Andrew Weil advises in this TikTok video.
Try some simple yoga positions
You don't have to be an experienced yoga fan to feel the benefits! Set up your yoga mat near the wall and scoot your butt as close to the wall as you can, letting your legs straighten on the wall with your feet up toward the ceiling. Stay here and breathe deeply for at least a minute before snuggling up in bed.
There’s lots of videos on TikTok that show yoga positions that help you sleep.
Try a two-minute foot massage
Feet have literally thousands of nerve endings and are one of the best points to massage in order to help you drift off. Get comfy, rub the sole of your foot between the base of your second toe and your heel. Use a firm pressure and focus on this spot for two minutes, using both circular and up-and-down motions.
Train your brain to follow a routine
Your brain picks up on patterns easily so get into the habit of doing the same activity before bed. Reading a book, or doing anything that naturally begins to make you feel tired so you can unwind as it comes to bedtime is beneficial. And ditch your phone before you head to bed-keeping it on will keep your brain alert and awake.
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