Can’t Sleep? Try Cognitive Shuffling, the Mental Trick That Helps You Drift Off

circular connection
2 days ago
1 min read

Lying in bed, eyes closed, but the mind won’t stop racing? For many, bedtime becomes a nightly struggle as the body longs for sleep but the brain refuses to slow down. Thoughts spin in circles, replaying conversations, planning tomorrow’s tasks, or fixating on small worries.

Woman in white pajamas sits on a bed looking thoughtful. Room has dim lighting and blue tones, with a padded headboard and pillow.

Image: Pexels/cottonbro studio

This mental overstimulation—despite physical fatigue—is more common than one might think. A simple technique known as Cognitive Shuffling is gaining attention for its calming effect on a restless mind.

The concept is refreshingly straightforward. Instead of trying to empty the mind or focus on your breath, you simply list unrelated, neutral words. It’s like mentally shuffling a deck of cards to occupy your brain just enough to ease into sleep.

A woman lies awake in bed at night, hands clasped, with a dark padded headboard and white bedding. The room is dimly lit, suggesting introspection.

Image: Pexels/cottonbro studio

Here’s a simple rundown on how it works, with no tools required:

Get comfortable and close your eyes.
Choose a neutral word, such as “REST.”
Start with the first letter, and think of simple, unrelated words beginning with that letter (like “rose,” “rare,” or “red”).
Once you run out of words, move on to the next letter.
Keep the words emotionally neutral and easy to imagine.

By avoiding emotional or goal-driven thoughts, this practice mimics the mind’s natural activity as it drifts toward sleep. The randomness of the words keeps your brain lightly occupied—just enough to distract it from deeper thinking patterns.

There are no tools or apps needed. Just you, your thoughts, and a few quiet moments. Cognitive Shuffling can be a surprisingly effective bedtime ritual for anyone who finds their brain too busy when the lights go out.