Clever 'bumblebee' trick can help you fall asleep faster and boost serotonin

15 March 2024 , 20:00

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The 'bumblebee trick' can help you sleep faster (stock image) (Image: Getty Images/Cultura RF)

You might think you've heard it all when it comes to tricks to fall asleep faster - but we doubt you've tried this one.

Do you feel like you've tried all the tricks in the book? From putting 'gentle pressure' on certain areas, to the 4-7-9 breathing technique and avoiding certain drinks there are no shortage to hacks you can try. But the reality is that almost one in five people in the UK aren't getting enough sleep, according to Mental Health UK.

But one trick you might not have tried yet is the 'bumblebee' method, which can not only help you fall asleep faster, but boost serotonin levels, the hormone responsible for improving your mood. So for this World Sleep Day (March 15), why not try it out?

Sammy Margo, Sleep Expert at Dreams, shared the unusual trick, which she said was one of the "secret to unlocking the power of consistency for lasting upgrades to your sleep quality". She said the trick is to "hum like a bee for a serotonin boost".

The sleep expert explained: "As yoga and meditation focus on breath work, they can both be especially useful to implement into a nighttime routine before bed. An easy beginner tip that most people can follow is humming like a bee.

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"First you should set the tone in your room so turn the lights off, lie down comfortably on your back and make a bumblebee sound for 10 minutes. Just inhale and hum on the exhale. Doing this can calm the mind and can get rid of negative emotions as it stimulates the feel-good brain chemical serotonin."

It will also help to create a relaxing bedtime ritual for 30 minutes to one hour before going to bed. Sammy recommended: "Establish a peaceful ritual that helps you unwind before bed such as drinking a warm glass of milk, reading a book, brushing your teeth, or even doing your skin care routine can really help to reduce anxiety and prep your body and mind ahead of getting some shut eye. Dedicate time in your busy day to embrace this important practice."

But watch out if you do decide to have a milky beverage, as an expert told The Mirror that while it can help some people feel sleepy, it's not for everyone. Professor John Young, Professor of translational clinical and health research at Teesside University, said that milk isn't a good bedtime drink if you have a dairy allergy, are lactose intolerant or have a condition such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as the "discomfort" might keep you awake at night.

Ariane Sohrabi-Shiraz