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Q.

Does rocking help make it easier to fall asleep?

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Answers From Experts & Organizations (1)

Michael J. Breus, PhD, ABSMMichael J. Breus, PhD, ABSMSUCCESS!
Michael J. Breus, PhD, ABSM
Sleep Disorders
105 Answers
2,698 Helpful Votes
20 Followers
A.

There’s a new fascinating study that suggests rocking does indeed have an effect on our ability to fall asleep as well as on the quality of the sleep itself.

Researchers at the University of Geneva, Switzerland tested the effects of rocking on sleep in a dozen adult men between the ages of 22-38. All the men involved were good sleepers — none were suffering from any sleep or anxiety disorders, and they were well rested at the time of the experiment. Researchers created a special bed that mimicked the rocking of a hammock, and had the men take two 45-minute naps. During one nap the bed gently rocked, and during the other nap the bed remained still. While their subjects slept, researchers measured brain activity using an electroencephalogram (EEG). Here’s what they found:

  • Every one of the participants fell asleep more quickly during their rocking nap.
  • A majority (8 of 12) said they found the rocking nap “more pleasant” than the nap on the stationary bed.
  • During the rocking nap, all of the sleepers moved more quickly from Stage One to t Stage Two of their sleep cycle. Stage Two is where we typically spend half of our sleep time over the course of a night.
  • While rocking, sleepers showed significant increases in the types of brain-wave activity that are specifically associated with deeper, more restful, and more continuous sleep.

This answer should not be considered medical advice...down arrowThis answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.up arrow

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