Neuroscientist Huberman's Sleep Trick Meets Skepticism

Neuroscientist Andrew Huberman has detailed a method intended to help individuals fall back asleep after waking during the night. The technique involves a series of specific eye movements performed with closed eyes, followed by a breathing exercise.

Huberman posits that these eye movements can disrupt the neural circuits connecting the eyes, brainstem, and cerebellum, aiding in the process of forgetting one's physical orientation. He likens the method to other vestibular system-engaging techniques, asserting its scientific basis.

Sleep researchers acknowledge a potential biological rationale for the technique. Michael Grandner, PhD, a sleep researcher at the University of Arizona, noted that eye movements, alongside other sensory inputs, contribute to the brain's spatial awareness. However, he stated that there are no known studies directly testing this specific mechanism or demonstrating its reliable effectiveness in reducing sleep onset latency.

Brant Hasler, PhD, from the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Sleep and Circadian Science, indicated that the method does not align with established, validated behavioral sleep interventions. He and his colleagues had not encountered the technique previously, raising questions about its clinical efficacy.