I understand that the whole concept of counting sheep helps you concentrate on only one subject therefore making it easier for you to fall asleep. What I would like to know is what is the origin of using sheep to count instead of whatever else. How come sheep?
2007-05-29 20:33:30 · 9 answers · asked by babycattos 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
Because before modern ranching, shepherds were employed to watch sheep, the most common livestock at that time, so they could roam to graze, and yet, not wander off. They were usually supposed to count them twice a day, to make sure they hadn't lost any. Apparently, this got boring for them, since it has come to symbolize monotony in modern culture.
2007-05-29 20:45:38 · answer #1 · answered by trai 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like the first answerer mentioned, it was probably something that originally many people had to do all of the time anyway, counting the sheep every so often to make sure you had them all, and one didn't run off on you. Something like counting imaginary sheep also seems like a quiet, repetitive activity that would help lull you to sleep.
What I've always done if I have a bout of insomnia is I'll either pick up a book and read for a while, or get on the Internet and do some reading of Web pages - both have the same effect of making me tired once again and ready to sleep.
2007-05-29 20:43:19 · answer #2 · answered by the phantom 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is very simple to answer. First, sheep are fluffy warm and fuzzy representing comfort thus setting the stage for relaxation. Second, as you stated in your question, the technique of distraction is extremely useful to help focus a busy mind and further progress in relaxation. Lastly, the repetition involved in counting sheep leaping over a fence creates a lull that slows ones thought process down just as any monotonous activity causes one to feel sleepy. All three of these events combined have a great psychological effect that is highly conducive to sleep. This is one of many variations of relaxation techniques and is merely the one with which most people could easily relate and pass on to others. Hence the most widely adopted and shared.
2007-05-29 21:16:01 · answer #3 · answered by justbentnotbroken 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think it would be because farmers actually do have to count their sheep, and the sheep jump as they go through the gate.
2007-05-29 20:37:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think it's because it's so boring that you just doze off a few minutes after you start.
If I'm having trouble falling alseep I ask my husband to tell me about one of his many Grateful Dead concert experiences (he's seen them like 50 times). I have heard all the stories like 1000 times and so they bore the dickens out of me. I say, "Tell me about the time you saw The Dead in Las Vegas." And then he starts up and I'm out like a light.
2007-05-29 21:00:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is distraction therapy, a simple procedure to ignore the busy "downloading"of the brain. Reading a book,or watching a film, also help.
2007-05-29 22:37:48 · answer #6 · answered by ED SNOW 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it focuses the mind, help you relax. check out www.rda-enterprises.com
2007-05-29 21:22:17 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
because the new zealand people invented it
2007-05-30 05:29:48 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
why are you talking about sheep?????????????????
2007-05-29 20:38:06 · answer #9 · answered by Alicia N 2 · 0⤊ 7⤋