Sleep induction

[2] In most depictions of the activity, the person envisions an endless series of identical white sheep jumping over a fence, while counting the number that do so.

According to a BBC experiment conducted by researchers at Oxford University, counting sheep is actually an inferior means of inducing sleep.

Hypnotics, sometimes referred to as sleeping pills, may be prescribed by a physician, but their long-term efficacy is poor and they have numerous adverse effects including daytime drowsiness, accidents, memory disorders and withdrawal symptoms.

The amino acid tryptophan and its related compounds 5-HTP and melatonin, have common use, with the prescription medication ramelteon operating on the same biochemical pathway.

[citation needed] An urban legend states that certain foods such as turkey and bananas are rich in tryptophan and thus assist sleep, although this has not been confirmed by research.

[13] Hot chocolate is also a traditional bedtime drink but this contains high levels of xanthines (caffeine and theobromine), which are stimulants and therefore may be counterproductive.