Waterfall video uploaded to YouTube helps people with insomnia

The video is now being used for research into relaxation therapy

(YouTube/Johnnie Lawson)

A video of a waterfall in Ireland that went viral on YouTube is helping millions of people who suffer from insomnia.

The eight-hour footage has been viewed over six million times, and is now being used as part of medical research for several London hospitals.

Artist Johnnie Lawson uploaded the footage of the wooden bridge on the River Bonet in County Leitrim five years ago, and was surprised when it attracted a very specific fan base.

Lawson has filmed 174 videos near rivers and lakes in counties Leitrim, Fermanagh and Sligo.

Health psychologist Dorothy Wade, who works at University College Hospital, London, told the BBC that the aim of the clinical trial which uses his video of the River Bonet is to prevent intensive care patients from being traumatised.

"As part of the therapy, nurses give patients tablet computers with different relaxation materials on them. This includes Johnnie Lawson's videos of tranquil nature scenes," she said.