After I spy a sleep hack on TikTok I’m going forward and check out it — then ask questions later. Not too long ago I’ve been seeing chatter concerning the “vagus assist cocoon” approach, which entails surrounding your self with pillows in a strategic method that will help you relaxation and calm down. It seemed additional cozy, which was sufficient for me, however consultants say there’s additionally one thing to it.The viral video that popped up on my FYP — posted June 6 by @itsmaggieperkins — exhibits the creator making a “cocoon” with a pile of 5 pillows. She climbs into mattress, leans again in opposition to the pillows, and pulls two heavy duvets on high of her. The ensuing cocoon, she says, helps regulate her vagus nerve for an evening of high quality sleep.In her feedback part one individual mentioned, “There’s simply one thing so comforting [about a] pillow nest” whereas one other wrote, “What you name a cocoon my bestie and I name a ‘pillow corral.’ Greatest sleep ever.” One other mentioned, “I simply remembered I used to do that as a child. Possibly it’s what I must do once more to get some good sleep!”Reduce to me in mattress with a number of pillows, two of my chunkiest blankets — although it’s the center of summer time — and my AC on excessive. Right here’s what it was like to present the cocoon sleep hack a attempt, in addition to some enter from a sleep knowledgeable about why this hack actually does assist your vagus nerve.How To Create A Vagus Nerve CocoonTo create an excellent cocoon for sleeping, @itsmaggieperkins layered two pillows to prop up her head, set one underneath every arm, and positioned one other underneath her knees to cradle her legs.The purpose is to situate the pillows in such a method that every of your limbs feels absolutely supported, since that’s what helps your physique go into full leisure mode. (Extra on that beneath.)To complete the cocoon, she pulled two heavy duvets over herself to behave virtually like a weighted blanket. The creator steered bumping up the air con so that you don’t get too sizzling, and in addition as a result of a cold atmosphere is conducive to sleep.Why Does The Cocoon Assist You Sleep?In response to Dr. Shelby Harris, a licensed scientific psychologist and director of sleep well being at Sleepopolis, the vagus assist cocoon hack is all about getting as cozy as doable inside a nest of blankets and pillows.Many of the perks from this sleep hack stem from the actual fact you’ll really feel cradled and supported by your pillows, which is what permits your physique to calm down. This, in flip, sends a message to your vagus nerve that you simply’re a-OK and that it’s time to sleep. A regulated vagus nerve is what you need, she says, on the subject of getting good sleep.“The vagus nerve is a key a part of the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps regulate stress and leisure,” Harris tells Bustle, particularly after a protracted, making an attempt day. “It is an essential a part of calming the physique at bedtime, serving to you calm down, and [it has] the potential to enhance your sleep high quality.”This cocoon additionally encourages you to sleep in your again, which is a perfect sleep place for some, however Harris says you’ll be able to alter the pillows to cocoon your self in different sleep positions, like in your aspect. “Try to be comfy and relaxed in no matter place works finest for you,” she says.To additional assist your vagus nerve, Harris recommends sleeping in a cool room, practising deep respiratory workout routines, and making an attempt progressive muscle leisure. “These strategies will help enhance vagal tone and promote parasympathetic exercise,” she says. Snoozing in a chilly room may also decrease your physique temperature, which has been proven that will help you go to sleep quicker and keep asleep longer.Attempting It OutFreshSplash/E+/Getty ImagesMy TikTok FYP appears to know that I’m typically conscious at 3 a.m., because it sends me sleep hacks on the common. That’s how I got here throughout the cocoon methodology, and why I knew I wanted to present it a attempt ASAP, particularly as somebody who sometimes sleeps with solely two measly pillows.I gathered all my fluffiest cushions and an additional blanket, created a cocoon for myself, and climbed on in. With a puffy wall holding me in place, I took a couple of deep breaths and let myself sink into my sheets — and it truthfully did really feel good to have the additional assist. I used to be formally cocooned.The nicest half, IMO, have been the arm pillows. I’m often not a fan of sleeping on my again or aspect as a result of I really feel like I’m going to tip over, however these bumpers held me securely in place. The one underneath my knees was a pleasant contact, too, because it additionally took some stress off my again. In response to Harris, this assist is what permits your vagus nerve to kick in, and as soon as that occurs your physique ought to really feel comfy and relaxed sufficient to slumber.As I lay there swaddled in pillows and blankets, it did seem to be my muscle tissue have been melting and stress-free greater than typical. The cocoon made my bedtime routine really feel extra official, too. One thing about arranging a comfy sleep spot put me in the precise mind set for snoozing, and I fell asleep pretty simply, too. With sleep, it appears it’s typically the best hacks, like this one, that work finest.Whereas I did get up with a couple of pillows strewn throughout the ground, and I had shimmied again into my go-to sleep place on my abdomen, I nonetheless liked being surrounded by a wall as I drifted off. I can see this cocoon hack changing into a superb go-to for me as a option to wind down for mattress. The subsequent time I’m struggling to go to sleep as a consequence of stress, I plan to burrow again into my cocoon and let it work its magic.Research referenced:Howland, RH. (2014.) Vagus Nerve Stimulation. Curr Behav Neurosci Rep. doi: 10.1007/s40473-014-0010-5.Magnon, V. (2021.) Advantages from one session of deep and gradual respiratory on vagal tone and nervousness in younger and older adults. Sci Rep. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-98736-9.Moyen, NE. (2024.) Sleeping for One Week on a Temperature-Managed Mattress Cowl Improves Sleep and Cardiovascular Restoration. Bioengineering (Basel). doi: 10.3390/bioengineering11040352.Tindle, J. (2022.) Neuroanatomy, Parasympathetic Nervous System. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan–. PMID: 31985934.Wu, Y. (2022.) Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation Might Enhance the Efficient Fee on the High quality of Sleep within the Therapy of Main Insomnia: A Randomized Management Trial. Mind Sci. doi: 10.3390/brainsci12101296.Supply:Dr. Shelby Harris, licensed scientific psychologist, director of Sleep Well being at SleepopolisGet Even Extra From Bustle — Signal Up For The NewsletterFrom hair tendencies to relationship recommendation, our day by day e-newsletter has all the pieces it is advisable sound like an individual who’s on TikTok, even if you happen to aren’t.