When I spy a sleep hack on TikTok I go ahead and try it, then ask questions later. Recently I’ve been seeing chatter about the “vagus support cocoon” technique, which involves surrounding yourself with pillows in a strategic way to help you rest and relax. It looked extra cozy, which was enough for me, but experts say there’s also something to it.
The viral video that popped up on my FYP by @itsmaggieperkinsand shows the creator making a “cocoon” with a pile of five pillows. She climbs into bed, leans back against the pillows, and pulls two heavy duvets on top of her. The resulting cocoon, she says, helps regulate her vagus nerve for a night of quality sleep.
The goal is to situate the pillows in such a way that each of your limbs feels fully supported, since that’s what helps your body go into full relaxation mode.
To finish the cocoon, she pulled two heavy duvets over herself to act almost like a weighted blanket. The creator suggested bumping up the air conditioning so you don’t get too hot, and also because a chilly environment is import.
Most of the perks from this sleep hack stem from the fact you’ll feel cradled and supported by your pillows, which is what allows your body to relax. This, in turn, sends a message to your vagus nerve that you’re safe and that it’s time to sleep. A regulated vagus nerve is what you want.
Looks like I'm aligning my vagus nerve tonight!