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Tried the hot bath, the herbal tea, the lavender pillow spray? When the usual tricks aren't working, it might be time to think outside the box. Here are five unexpected things to try when you just can't get to sleep.
5 Min Read | By Anna Ashbarry
Last Modified 23 December 2025 First Added 12 June 2020
When sleep just won’t come, most of us will try pretty much anything. If counting sheep and perfecting your bedtime routine aren’t working, we’ve got a few ideas you probably haven’t come across. These aren’t guaranteed fixes, but here are some of the weirdest tips to help you drift off. They aren’t backed by strong scientific evidence, but some people swear by them, and when sleep feels impossible, they can be worth a try.
It sounds strange, but a YouTube video of bacon frying went viral for its effectiveness in helping people fall asleep. The gentle, repetitive sound can trigger ASMR, a tingly, calming sensation that can help your mind relax. Many people find that this soothing background noise helps them drift off faster, making bacon more than just a breakfast favourite. Put on some headphones, listen to those sizzles, and let your brain settle into sleep.
Here’s the video in question if you want to give this sleep hack a go. Just make sure you’ve had a filling dinner beforehand!
Discover more soothing sounds to help you sleep on the Sleep Matters Club.
According to an old folk remedy, often linked to European and Caribbean traditions, a metal spoon under your pillow can “calm the nerves”, helping you drift off into a deep sleep. While it’s not magic, the ritual itself can be surprisingly comforting, helping signal to your body that it’s time to relax when repeated each night. Think of it as a quirky bedtime charm; harmless and easy. Just make sure not to place the spoon directly under your head so you don’t wake up with a headache!
Though you may feel a bit silly doing it, humming like a bee could be the answer to your sleepless nights. The simple act of humming can work wonders for both anxiety and restless minds. It can stimulate the vagus nerve, helping to calm the body and slow your heart rate, preparing you for sleep. So next time you find yourself tossing and turning, give your favourite song a hum and focus on the vibration as it soothes your mind and body.
Watch the video to discover how humming can support your health and calm your mind:
@doac.clips Did you know it can do this for you?🤔@Steven Bartlett #foryou #fyp #foryoupage #doac #diaryofaceo #podcast #diaryofaceopodcast #podcastclips #stevenbartlett ♬ original sound – The Diary Of A CEO
Did you know it can do this for you?🤔@Steven Bartlett #foryou #fyp #foryoupage #doac #diaryofaceo #podcast #diaryofaceopodcast #podcastclips #stevenbartlett
♬ original sound – The Diary Of A CEO
Channel your inner estate agent and give yourself a mental house tour. Walk through your house in your mind (don’t actually get up). Stroll slowly through each room, noticing the furniture, walls, and even imaginary smells. This gentle mental distraction stops overthinking, easing your brain into a calmer, sleepier state. The more detailed, the better.
You might’ve seen this one popping up on social media, with claims that eating seven baby carrots before bed guarantees a peaceful night’s sleep. While carrots aren’t a magic fix, they can make a surprisingly good pre-bed snack. And the good news is, you don’t have to stick to baby carrots. Light, crunchy, and easy to digest, carrots contain fibre and potassium to help curb late-night hunger, along with vitamin B6, which can support the production of serotonin and melatonin, the hormones that help regulate sleep. So, if you’re feeling peckish before bed, swapping biscuits for a handful of carrots could be a small, healthier change that supports a more restful night.
Watch the video to see how this everyday vegetable turned into a viral sensation:
@jackcfitz 🥕carrots before bed yes or no? #sleepquality #thyroid #inflammationrelief #trending #fyp ♬ original sound – Jack Fitz
🥕carrots before bed yes or no? #sleepquality #thyroid #inflammationrelief #trending #fyp
♬ original sound – Jack Fitz
If these quirky ideas aren’t quite doing it for you, sometimes it’s the basics that make the biggest difference. A few small tweaks to your evening routine can go a long way.
Stick to a consistent bedtime, even on weekends, so your body knows when to wind down. Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. And if your mind’s still racing, try a few slow, deep breaths before you close your eyes.
For more advice, read our article on how to sleep better at night.
If sleepless nights are starting to feel all too familiar, remember that better sleep often comes from small changes rather than big overnight fixes. Whether you try one of these quirky tips or stick to more traditional sleep habits, the key is finding what helps you unwind and switch off. Be patient with yourself, keep experimenting, and with a little consistency, a calmer, more restful night’s sleep could be closer than you think.
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