LETTERS: From ever since we can remember, we have been advised to count sheep when we struggle to fall asleep. But have you ever wondered why sheep?
The practice originated in the Middle Ages.
Shepherds then had to do a headcount of their flock before returning to the farm. It would have been boring, but it allowed the dreamer to drift into a night of peaceful sleep.
But our lives are too complicated now to allow us to drift off while counting sheep in our heads.
There's simply too much baggage left over from the day's events, so that most of the time it's only Robert Frost, an American poet, who reigns supreme:
"The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep…"
Here are ways to help us sink into the restful universe of sleep.
One, make your day exciting, but practise detachment. Events happen because they are meant to, and not necessarily because of you. Let them go and remain grateful when the day ends.
Two, eat right, eat light, stay hydrated, and get enough exercise. It's virtually impossible to fall asleep if your 'gut' instinct tells you something is amiss — whether it is bloating, flatulence, constipation or acid reflux.
Three, find quiet moments during the day; connecting with your inner voice keeps you close to yourself and the things that count.
Four, even if it's hectic, you can always find a few minutes for a power nap. Sometimes, it is a great substitute for missing a night or two of uninterrupted sleep.
Five, if nothing else works, surely music or books will. Listen to soothing music or the sounds of nature like rain, a flowing river and the gentle roll of the sea. And everyone from a student to the highest master would vouch for the soporific prowess of a book.
Here's to a restful new year!
Dr Jayita Poduval
Senior associate professor,
AIMST University
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times