Cognitive Shuffling Technique Helps Calm Busy Minds

The science-backed method aims to distract from racing thoughts and worries that keep people awake at night.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A cognitive scientist at Simon Fraser University in Canada has developed a technique called "cognitive shuffling" that can help calm a busy brain and make it easier to fall asleep. The method involves focusing the mind on a series of unrelated words, which mimics the natural sleep process and distracts from worrisome thoughts.

Why it matters

Insomnia and difficulty sleeping are common problems that can negatively impact physical and mental health. This new cognitive shuffling technique provides a science-backed approach to help people disengage from problem-solving and worry loops that often keep them awake at night.

The details

The cognitive shuffling technique involves choosing a simple, neutral word and then breaking it down by thinking of other words that match each letter. For example, if the starting word is "table", the person would think of words like "tree", "train", "towel" for the T, "apple", "arrow", "ant" for the A, and so on. The method is meant to distract the mind from racing thoughts and allow it to drift off.

  • The cognitive shuffling technique was developed by Luc Beaudoin, a cognitive scientist at Simon Fraser University in Canada.

The players

Luc Beaudoin

A cognitive scientist at Simon Fraser University in Canada who developed the cognitive shuffling technique.

Shelby Harris

A New York-based clinical psychologist who suggests the cognitive shuffling technique can be helpful for people struggling with insomnia.

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What they’re saying

“When it works, it can really help people.”

— Shelby Harris, New York-based clinical psychologist (Newsmax)

What’s next

Luc Beaudoin is marketing an app based on his cognitive shuffling method, and experts say more research is needed to evaluate its effectiveness compared to other sleep techniques like cognitive behavior therapy.

The takeaway

The cognitive shuffling technique provides a new science-backed approach for people struggling with insomnia and racing thoughts that keep them awake at night. While more research is needed, it offers a simple and low-risk method that may help calm the mind and improve sleep quality.