Many individuals suffering from anxiety may find that it’s causing sleepless nights.
However, a simple 2-minute tip shared by an anxiety management expert could help you fall asleep swiftly.
Katelyn, known as @thepositive_pa on Instagram, is a holistic life coach who “helps overwhelmed humans overcome anxiety”. She frequently shares straightforward tips to assist with mental health, and her recent advice for improved sleep has been well-received, garnering over 68,000 likes.
In a reel, Katelyn demonstrated massaging a spot behind her ear, informing followers: “In case no one told you, you can massage this spot behind your ear and sleep like a teenager (because babies don’t sleep).”
She then added: “Find the bump behind your ear (mastoid process) and massage behind this. Massage small circles on both sides for 1-2 minutes!”
In her caption, she added: “Anxiety can affect our physical health in MANY ways, one very common problem is TROUBLE SLEEPING! Find the bony prominence just being you ear, there is a slight indentation behind it, using your thumb massage in circles. Try both sides at once, massage 100-200 circles (or 1-2 minutes).
“This stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system which calms you down, making it easier to sleep (and sleep better).”
Massage firm Body Balance Massage and Float, backs the idea that a gentle massage of the mastoid process can help to “relieve tension” and also suggests it might assist those experiencing symptoms of tinnitus.
The advice has struck a chord on social media where users are sharing their positive experiences. One person commented: “This is also an acupuncture point called Anmian which means Peaceful Sleep.” Another user tested the technique, enthusiastically reporting: “It decreased my headache pain!”
Katelyn, who shared the tip, underscores that though people find her tips for easing anxiety helpful, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Anyone dealing with mental health or other health concerns should consult their GP.