Sheep # 39

As I sit here at 2:24 AM, I can't help but wonder where "counting sheep" for insomnia came from.  I googled it, and the word insomnia was almost interchangeable with it; often "insomnia" was followed with "counting sheep" in parenthesis. I have tried on several occasions this method. At some point it works, whether it be at sheep number 52 or 3,021...eventually, if you can clear all other intruding thoughts, the mind grows bored at the task at hand and a return to sheepish slumber is imminent. 

Regardless if the methodology works or not, I want to know, "Why Sheep?" Why not iguanas or anteaters instead? I instantly am reminded , particularly at this time of year of the biblical quote, 'While shepherds watch their flock at night." No doubt this is the origination. I have to say, only when residual caffeine effects, or stressful times do I really give much thought to sheep.