Sounder Sleep System: The Insomnia Solution

Sleep Now

By Jae Gruenke

Originally appeared in the Village Voice, NYC, March 13-19, 2002

Michael Krugman's Sounder Sleep System, he says, "helps you learn what good sleepers already know: how to relax and clear your mind and allow yourself to fall asleep. You can't try to go to sleep. The minute there's effort involved, you're doomed." Designed to evoke a state of profound relaxation through gentle, expressive movement, pleasure, and self-awareness, the system is a re-education in the art of relaxation, and a set of tools you can use on your own.

A group class begins with seated movements coordinated with breathing. Krugman is both teacher and DJ. We follow his lead, repeatedly bowing forward and rising, our legs crossed in front of us on the floor. After a while, he invites us to close our eyes and move our hands, arms, and torsos to the music. It feels a little silly, but no one's watching; it's really satisfying to shape the air like a sculptor or move sinuously like a belly dancer.

Krugman explains that the pleasure of dancing freely (but not strenuously) to music is a key part of the system: It helps quiet the mind. Enjoyment and relaxation are closely related. Rippling movements through the spine and rhythmic breathing trigger deeply relaxing physiological changes.

As I interlace my fingers and move them delicately with my breath, I begin to feel as relaxed as during a good massage. I yawn. I lay my hands down for a moment, and then I'm fast asleep. The music laces through my dreams, and my breath feels fresh in my spacious chest.

He teaches daytime exercises that can be done unobtrusively on the subway, in a meeting, or at your desk. Breaking up your day with very brief periods of tiny, relaxing movements and dreamy rest, you'll feel smarter, and more discerning. And you'll sleep better.

Jae Gruenke is a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner®, an ACE-Certified Personal Trainer, an AIFE-Certified Older Adult Fitness Specialist, a teacher of the Sounder Sleep System, and Owner of Intelligent Exercise Personal Training. Please visit her web page at soundersleep.com and her web site at intelligentexercise.com.