What is the 'Infinity tracing technique'? This 'weird but effective' trick could help you fall asleep faster
Struggling to fall asleep because your mind won’t stop racing? A doctor on TikTok has gone viral for sharing the ‘Infinity Tracing Technique’—a curious yet calming trick designed to lull overactive brains into rest. It involves nothing more than a finger, your eyes, and a little bedtime magic. Here’s how it works—and why it might just help you sleep faster tonight.
You’ve turned off the lights.
But instead of drifting into blissful slumber, your brain decides it’s time to replay that awkward moment from middle school—or start planning five years into the future.
Sound familiar? You're not alone.
In fact, large number of people struggle with sleeping through the night, and many of them can’t even get past the first hurdle—falling asleep at all. This phase, known as sleep latency , is the time it takes to drift off after going to bed. The sweet spot? Just 10 to 20 minutes.
But for countless overthinkers, it stretches into hours.
Enter Dr. Joe Whittington , a medical professional who’s taken to Instagram and TikTok with a sleep hack that’s raising eyebrows—and calming minds.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dr. Joe, M.D. (@drjoe_md) The ‘Infinity Tracing Technique’: So Simple, It’s Genius In a viral video, Dr. Joe shares what he calls a “weird but effective” trick: the Infinity Tracing Technique.
No expensive gadgets, no melatonin—just your finger and your eyes.
Here’s how it works.
Hold your finger in the air and slowly trace the shape of an infinity symbol (a sideways figure eight). As you move your finger, follow it only with your eyes, not your head.
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According to Dr. Joe, this action essentially distracts your brain from its usual night-time spiral of racing thoughts.
“Like distracting a toddler with a shiny object,” he says.
iStock Hold your finger in the air and slowly trace the shape of an infinity symbol (a sideways figure eight). As you move your finger, follow it only with your eyes, not your head.
A Nod to Therapy: EMDR for Sleep? Fans of the video were quick to compare the technique to EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a psychological treatment used to help process trauma and emotional distress.
According to Cleveland Clinic, EMDR helps rewire how the brain responds to traumatic memories, often easing anxiety and PTSD symptoms.
While the Infinity Tracing Technique isn’t a replacement for therapy, its resemblance to EMDR could explain why it works for some people—especially those who experience anxiety-fueled insomnia . Could This Trick Help You? Dr. Joe isn’t claiming this is a miracle cure, but for people seeking an easy and natural way to fall asleep, this technique is worth a try. As long as you’re consistent and mindful while doing it, you might just discover a calming bedtime ritual that quiets your inner monologue.
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Let the symbol do the talking, and you just might find sleep at the tip of your finger.
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