People are using ancient Japanese sleep trick to 'nod off in minutes'

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Struggling to catch some Z's can wreak havoc on your day-to-day life, but there might be a simple solution just in time for World Sleep Day tomorrow (Friday, March 14).

The buzz around sleep is growing louder as the day approaches, with many sharing their tips for nodding off and the consequences of failing to do so.Despite our best efforts, a good night's rest can often feel out of reach.However, sleep lovers are in for a treat as experts reveal a straightforward Japanese technique that could see you snoozing within "minutes".In collaboration with Furniture in Fashion, esteemed Japanese sleep expert Dr Hiroshi Takeda has brought to light an age-old sleeping hack that promises to send you off to dreamland swiftly, bypassing hours of restless wriggling.Dr Takeda points out that the traditional Japanese 'Shikibuton', a thin, rollable mattress set on the floor, isn't merely a matter of cultural habit – it's supported by science.He divulged: "A soft mattress can cause the body to sink in unevenly, leading to poor spinal alignment and restless tossing and turning."A firmer surface like a Shikibuton keeps the spine in a neutral position, reduces pressure points, and improves circulation, helping the body relax more quickly".Dr Takeda suggests that you don't need to dramatically overhaul your current sleeping arrangements, but there are some modifications you can make to ensure a better night's sleep. Opt for a firmer sleep surface A low-profile bed frame can also replicate the grounded sensation of a Shikibuton. Use a Buckwheat pillow (Sobakawa) Traditional Japanese pillows are filled with buckwheat husks, which adapt to the shape of your head and neck, providing optimal support and improved airflow.Unlike memory foam, these