# The frequency following response can help you go to sleep The frequency following response (FFP) is an electrical potential generated by periodic stimuli. When the human brain notices a periodic stimulus, it automatically starts to follow it. Jim Donovan devised a technique based on the FFP to help himself fall asleep: 1. Bring your hands to your laps 2. Tap your hands on your legs at the speed of a ticking stopwatch 3. Breathe slowly 4. Proceed to slow the rhythm of your hands 2022/08/16: I have tried it a few times and it appears to work. I am going to keep doing it; I will update this page later. --- ## 📚 References - [How To Trick Your Brain Into Falling Asleep | Jim Donovan | TEDxYoungstown. Directed by TEDx Talks, 2018.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5dE25ANU0k) YouTube.