Does the 'elbow/arm method' actually work?

[Gbob]

I read somewhere that propping your arm up at night will help you achieve the awake/asleep state as you will realize when it's no longer propped up (ok not explained very well but I'm sure you know what I'm talking about).

Years ago I used this method and all it did was keep me awake as I was so focused on keeping my arm up. Not to mention it was incredibly uncomfortable and quite a few times I had to stretch my arm out. Does this happen to anyone else?

Do I have to be in a super sleepy state whilst attempting the method? Because if I was that tired the only thing that would be on my mind would be sleep, and not having to focus on holding my arm up.

[ancient_one]

I read somewhere that propping your arm up at night will help you achieve the awake/asleep state as you will realize when it's no longer propped up (ok not explained very well but I'm sure you know what I'm talking about).

Years ago I used this method and all it did was keep me awake as I was so focused on keeping my arm up. Not to mention it was incredibly uncomfortable and quite a few times I had to stretch my arm out. Does this happen to anyone else?

Do I have to be in a super sleepy state whilst attempting the method? Because if I was that tired the only thing that would be on my mind would be sleep, and not having to focus on holding my arm up.

This is almost funny. Not you, I mean- But, when I was a kid, and wanted to stop the SP incidents I knew I would have, and all that went with them, I used to hold my arm just as you describe in an attempt to stay awake so I would NOT have the experience.  You know what? It did not stop it.  What I remember though, is that I used to skim along just on the verge of falling asleep, and then I would feel my arm start to fall, and I would wake up again. So, that part of it works. I never thought of it as a way to start the experience- But I can see how it would help.  One thing you might have to experiment with is trying to set yourself up to where the arm almost will stay up on its own- balanced where it will take a minimal effort on your part to hold it up.  It will still fall when you take too much attention off of it.  And maybe if you do not have to try as hard to hold it up, it will not be as demanding on your attention to it. 

[CFTraveler]

That is only recommended to people who fall asleep too easily (you know someone like that) and can't find another way to project, other than in their own bed. 
...in the OBE community.

[Psan]

The "falling arm method" () must be used only as a supplementary exercise.  I doubt it would lead to a WILD or OBE, but who knows. Its a good training for the mind.

The "body asleep - mind awake" state is fleeting and beginners find it difficult to maintain. For a normal person, who is accustomed to sleep every night in a usual manner, this state lasts for merely a couple of  seconds. The falling arm method trains the mind to become more aware of this state and to dwell there for a longer time. Its like learning to balance on a rope.

When you do it, try not to tense your arm, it must be balanced exactly and should remain in a natural pose, else you will find it tiring and painful. If its balanced you will see that no effort is needed to keep it up and no muscles are in tension.