What happens when Mowat tries counting sheep to induce sleep?

When Mowat tries counting sheep to induce sleep, the results are less than satisfying. In his mind, the sheep turn into wolves. The frightening imagery makes it impossible for Mowat to go to sleep.
In chapter 5, Mowat encounters a fully grown Arctic wolf by accident. He tells us that the experience was a hair-raising one. In chapter 6, Mowat finds it a challenge to fall asleep. He maintains that the air in the cabin is stifling and that the table he is sleeping on is too hard and too short.
Out of desperation, he begins to count sheep. However, every one of the sheep eventually turns into wolves. This makes Mowat feel more wakeful than ever. Eventually, he hears some mice under the floorboards and the noise they produce makes Mowat think of wolves "snuffling at the door." This is the last straw; Mowat decides to forgo sleep. He lights the oil lantern and stays up to wait for dawn to arrive.