You can not sleep? The Military Sleep Method may seem like an extreme way to get some sleep, but despite the harsh-sounding name, it's actually a reliable, gentle, and fast way to fall asleep in two to three minutes.
It's one of those weird old tricks the internet is so fond of, but this one definitely works; You don't have to be a member of the military to use it, and not only can it help you fall asleep, but it's also a great way to get back to sleep if you tend to wake up frequently at night.
However, the military sleep method requires regular practice to work well, which means you can give it up after a few nights and find it useless. Do not do that; Instead, read on to find out everything you need to know about this viral sleep technique and how it can help you fall asleep faster and wake up in the morning feeling much more rested.
To track your sleep and see how much better you'll sleep once this method is fully effective, also consider investing in one of the best sleep trackers.
If you suffer from insomnia or are the type of person who takes years to fall asleep at night, the Military Sleep Method is an easy-to-learn technique with a series of steps that requires nothing more than a mattress (and perhaps one of the best weighted blankets) or a comfortable place where you can get a good night's sleep.
As we mentioned, it takes regular practice to get it right; it can take up to six weeks to master the technique. However, once you do, it can be the best way to help you fall asleep quickly. All it involves is breathing, visualization, and a small, gentle movement of your fingers and toes.
Dealing with insomnia? A TikTok doctor shares the sleep technique that solved his insomnia.
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How to use the military sleep method
This military sleep technique is a simple way to fall asleep quickly and involves nothing more than relaxing, breathing practice and gentle movements. Here's how to use the military sleep method to fall asleep quickly:
Find a comfortable position where you want to fall asleep and close your eyes.
exhale slowly while focusing on releasing any tension in your body, keeping your breathing regular and relaxing your facial muscles.
relax your shoulders, dropping them. Your arms and hands should also be relaxed and relaxed by your body.
Keep inhaling and exhaling regularly, let the muscles of the legs and feet relax. Try to focus on releasing any tension.
Gently flex your feet and toes, images of a feeling of warmth flowing from head to toe.
Now it's time to start visualizing to clear your mind of restless thoughts. To do this, imagine that you are lying on your back in a canoe floating on a calm lake, with a clear blue sky above you. Or imagine that you are lying in a black velvet hammock in a dark room.
If thoughts start to flow, simply repeat the words "Don't think" or any short, meaningless phrase for ten seconds to clear your mind. TikTok influencer and fitness expert Justin Agustin tried the military sleep method himself. Watch the video (below) to find out how he did it.
@justin_agustin (Opens in a new tab) ♬ You – Petit Biscuit (Opens in a new tab)
Can it really help you fall asleep in two minutes?
The Military Sleep Method is a proven way for most people to relax their body and mind enough to fall asleep quickly, and while it may not work for everyone, some may find that it takes longer than usual. expected to fall asleep, most report that it at least leaves them feeling more relaxed.
As with other relaxation techniques, much of your success relies on regular practice and training your body and mind to recognize the technique as a cue for bedtime. You won't see results overnight, but within a week or two you should fall asleep faster. Even if you're one of those people who doesn't get any effects from the military sleep technique, it should still leave you feeling more relaxed than when you started.
If nothing else, it will always put you in the mood for sleep and signal to your brain that it's time to wind down, an essential part of a good bedtime routine. And if you still have trouble falling asleep at night, there are other techniques that can help you; Check out our 7 Tips for Sleeping Better When Anxious and How to Sleep When Stressed guides.
Who created the military method of sleep?
The Military Sleep Method is an ancient technique used by American soldiers to help them fall asleep within minutes, crucial when they needed to rest whenever they could to stay focused in battle.
In his 1981 book, Relax and Win: Championship Performance, author and speed coach Bud Winter detailed the "military method" as a way for anyone to fall asleep quickly in order to look their best during the day.
The sleep technique became popular again when fitness influencer Justin Agustin shared it on TikTok. It works for many but not all of his followers, but most said they felt more relaxed and less stressed or anxious when falling asleep.
(Image credit: Getty)
How to prioritize better sleep at night
If you have trouble falling asleep or suffer from insomnia, there are many tips that can help you sleep better. This includes cutting back on caffeine a few hours before bed. The time will vary from person to person, but most people find lunchtime to work as a cut-off point for the last coffee of the day.
Other tips include cutting back on screen time up to two hours before bed, as well as taking a hot bath or shower to help prepare your body for sleep. This boils down to making sure the bedroom is at the right temperature and ideally you should sleep in a room with a temperature no higher than 18 degrees Celsius.
Light stretching or meditation before bed is also recommended and can also help with the military sleep method once you're under the covers.
Finally, finding the best mattress and the best pillows to sleep on is essential. If your mattress isn't quite right, try one of the best mattress toppers as well, as it's a quick and affordable way to upgrade your bed if it needs to be cooler, more comfortable, or more supported for a good night's sleep.
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