Unraveling the Myth: The Origins and Effectiveness of Counting Sheep for Better Sleep

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One popular technique for falling asleep is to picture fluffy white lambs hopping over a fence one by one. Personally, I like to add a stylish black sheep with a red bow tie every now and then as a playful twist.

I don’t experience insomnia frequently (thank goodness), but I always find it amusing to think about who came up with the idea of counting sheep. If the goal is to make yourself feel sleepy, why not try counting down like you do before surgery? And why specifically sheep? Why not count jackrabbits, horses, giant toads, or kangaroos instead?

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Having trouble sleeping without your partner? Don't worry, there are ways to help with that. Some say that counting sheep was a technique used by shepherds in the past to help them fall asleep when they were alone for long periods of time. Whether it's true or not, it's worth a try!

The practice of counting sheep to help fall asleep is ancient, dating back to the 13th century. It was even mentioned in a collection of short stories called “Cento Novelle Antiche.” In one of the stories, a tired storyteller working for Messer Azzolino shared a tale about a farmer attempting to transport a flock of sheep across a wide river in a small boat.

The farmer bravely jumped into the river with just one sheep's fleece and began rowing with all his strength. Despite the river's width, he continued to row tirelessly, determined to reach the other side.

The storyteller dozed off, causing his master to nudge him to continue the story.

The fabulist suggested, "Let him finish counting the rest of the sheep first. It will take him a year at least. In the meantime, Your Excellency can enjoy a nice nap." And with that, he drifted off to sleep again.

In Miguel de Cervantes' "Don Quixote," Don Quixote and Sancho Panza discussed counting goats — not sheep — to help Quixote sleep.

In Miguel de Cervantes' "Don Quixote," Don Quixote and Sancho Panza discussed counting goats — not sheep — to help Quixote sleep.

In the earlier 12th century work "Disciplina Clericalis," the same tale was told. It also became part of the 17th century book "Don Quixote," where Quixote's squire, Sancho Panza, tells him to count goats instead of sheep.

"Make sure to count all the goats the shepherd takes with him, Your Grace. If we miss even one, the story will come to a sudden stop and we won't be able to continue," Panza warns.

Can counting sheep help you fall asleep?

Does counting sheep actually help you fall asleep? There are stories online about a 2002 study that tested this idea in combating insomnia.

Senior author Allison Harvey, a professor of psychology and director of the Golden Bear Sleep and Mood Research Clinic at the University of California, Berkeley, clarified that the research was not focused on whether counting sheep helps with falling asleep.

"Our research over 20 years ago wasn't focused on counting sheep, but rather on using mental images to help with insomnia," Harvey explained.

A man with insomnia looks at the clock at dawn from the bed with concern. Lifestyle concept

A man with insomnia looks at the clock at dawn from the bed with concern. Lifestyle concept

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Her study involved 50 participants divided into three groups. The first group received no instructions on how to fall asleep. The second group was advised to distract themselves from thoughts, worries, and concerns in any way they preferred. The third group was instructed to engage in an interesting imagery task, like picturing a meadow, waterfall, holiday, or sunny afternoon.

Those who used imagery reported falling asleep quicker compared to the other two groups. They also found their thoughts and concerns to be less distressing than those in the distraction or no instruction group.

Two participants in the distraction group ended up counting sheep to help them fall asleep, which caught people's attention because they found it amusing, according to Harvey.

Although she didn't specifically research counting sheep to treat insomnia and isn't aware of any other studies on the topic, Harvey, drawing from her experience as a sleep specialist, does have some insights.

"Counting sheep may not always be effective," she explained. "That's why we collaborate with individuals to create a variety of strategies. Everyone is unique, so what works can vary from person to person."

So, what actually does help?

There are effective ways supported by science to clear your mind and improve your sleep. According to Harvey, after over 20 years, using your imagination continues to be a highly recommended technique. Here are some more suggestions from her.

Close-Up Of Clock On Bed

Close-Up Of Clock On Bed

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Visualize relaxation: Many find that envisioning a pleasant and engaging environment can be effective for relaxation. This technique is most successful when all five senses are involved.

According to experts, making the mental image as vivid as possible can enhance the experience. You can achieve this by asking yourself what you see, what you hear, what you smell, and even what you taste if applicable.

Expressing gratitude not only increases happiness but can also help you relax and sleep better, as per research findings.

Harvey recommends identifying three things in your life that you are thankful for and reflecting on them before going to bed.

Savoring is like a cousin of gratitude. It's all about recalling a happy moment from your day and really soaking in the good feelings, according to Harvey.

The next three tips are great to try before going to bed. They all help in managing worry and rumination, which is when you keep thinking about the same things over and over again, like a cow chewing cud.

Problem-solving: Make time before bedtime to grab a pen and paper. Create two columns - one for "Concerns" and the other for "Solutions."

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What to do on the nights you are struggling with insomnia, according to experts

Write down your problems or tasks that are causing you worry on one side, and then brainstorm possible solutions on the other. Putting it on paper helps clear your mind from constantly thinking about it.

Journaling is not just about solving problems, according to Harvey. It can also be a way to document the good things in your life and memories that you want to remember. It is a means of self-expression.

Don't consider yourself a natural writer? No worries! You can designate some time before going to bed to simply let your worries out and maybe even brainstorm solutions. This way, you can clear your mind before sleeping and avoid tossing and turning all night.

Editor's P/S:

The article delves into the intriguing history and efficacy of counting sheep to induce sleep. While its origins are shrouded in mystery, the practice has been mentioned in literature dating back to the 13th century. The article cites a study that suggests imagery techniques, including visualizing pleasant scenes, can aid in falling asleep faster and reducing distress.

However, the article also acknowledges that counting sheep may not be universally effective. It emphasizes the importance of finding personalized strategies that work for each individual. The article concludes with science-backed techniques for clearing the mind and improving sleep, such as visualization, gratitude, problem-solving, and journaling. the ones that resonate with them. By providing practical suggestions and insights from sleep specialists, the article empowers readers to take an active role in improving their sleep habits and achieving better overall well-being.