Can't sleep? Try this frozen peas hack

Virgin Radio

31 Jan 2022, 16:14

Being unable to sleep can be frustrating, to say the least.

From drinking lettuce water to a bargain sleep tea, it seems we'll try just about anything when chasing dream land.

One woman has shared a tip that she swears by for catching up on snooze time.

Frankie Simmons posted on TikTok, saying anxiety was keeping her awake at night.

She had tried anything and everything to help, but now credits a bag of frozen peas as providing the solution.

By placing the bag of frozen vegetables on her chest, Frankie is stimulating her ‘vagus nerve’.

It's the longest nerve in the body, and one that has an important role in the body’s ‘rest and digest’ response.

Giulia Guerrini is a pharmacist and told Tyla: "When you’re suffering with anxiety, you’re likely going to experience racing thoughts, increased heart rate and a feeling of adrenaline – all of which will halt your sleep,"

"The vagus nerve (the longest nerve in the body) connects the brain to many important internal organs and regulates their functions, such as digestion, heart rate, and respiratory rate, as well as vasomotor activity and certain reflex actions: such as coughing, sneezing, swallowing, and vomiting." 

By stimulating the nerve, your body will "rebound and relax".

“The nerve itself stimulates certain muscles in the heart that help to slow heart rate and when it overreacts, you can experience a sudden drop in heart rate. If you apply some ice – like a pack of frozen peas, or even a cold flannel – to the side of your neck, you’ll be able to regulate the nerve, cool down your body temperature and slow down your heart rate, allowing your body to relax and come out of its anxious state.

"If you’re brave enough, you can even start taking cold showers or at least ending the shower with a 30 second cold water, which can also be very good for your skin and hair," Guerrini says. "It’s perfectly safe to ice your vagus nerve as it’s one of the easiest ways to directly cool and calm down the nerve, allowing it to regulate."

“Also, even if you’re feeling tired throughout the day, try to limit any daytime naps as these can affect your quality of sleep in the evening.

“If you’re worried about your sleeping and haven’t yet spoken to a professional about the anxiety you’re experiencing, book an appointment to speak to your GP as soon as possible so that they can help you."

Will you give it a go?