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Dr Amir Khan Promotes 'Cognitive Shuffling' to Help People Fall Asleep

On his new podcast, the NHS GP presents the method as a low-risk way to quiet racing thoughts at bedtime.

Overview

  • Khan discussed cognitive shuffling on No Appointment Necessary, his recently launched podcast co-hosted with Cherry Healy.
  • The technique steers the mind toward neutral, random tasks, such as listing names or words by each letter of the alphabet.
  • Coverage cites a 2016 pilot study led by cognitive scientist Luc Beaudoin that reported encouraging but early results for people with racing thoughts.
  • Khan says NHS patients he advised have reported good outcomes, with social media commenters also describing benefits.
  • Reports stress that evidence is preliminary, the method is not a primary treatment for chronic insomnia, and persistent sleep problems should be assessed by a doctor.