Say goodbye to restless nights with this military-inspired sleep technique that promises to lull you into slumber within minutes. Discover the step-by-step process and reclaim your sleep with ease.
Tired of tossing and turning, unable to drift off into dreamland? Enter the military-inspired sleep hack, a method purportedly used by the U.S. Army to induce sleep rapidly. With practice, this technique can help you achieve the ultimate goal: falling asleep within two minutes of closing your eyes.
The origins of this technique can be traced back to Lloyd Bud Winter’s book “Relax and Win: Championship Performance,” where it was first described in 1981. Recently brought to prominence by fitness coach Justin Agustin on TikTok, this method has gained traction for its potential to alleviate sleep difficulties.
Here’s a breakdown of the military sleep hack:
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Begin by calming your body and systematically relaxing each muscle group from head to toe. Focus on releasing tension in your forehead, eyes, cheeks, jaws, neck, and shoulders. Let your arms and hands rest loosely by your sides, embracing a state of complete relaxation.
- Deep Breathing: Engage in deep, rhythmic breathing to further induce relaxation. Visualize a warm, tingling sensation flowing from the top of your head to your fingertips as you inhale and exhale deeply.
- Mind Clearing: Clear your mind of any distractions or stresses by focusing on serene imagery. Imagine yourself in two peaceful scenarios: drifting in a canoe on a tranquil lake or reclining in a velvet hammock in a darkened room. If intrusive thoughts arise, gently redirect your focus and repeat the mantra, “Don’t think. Don’t think. Don’t think.”
With consistent practice—ideally every night for six weeks—you can train your body and mind to embrace this sleep-inducing routine. While scientific studies on the efficacy of this technique are limited, many individuals find it to be a calming bedtime meditation that promotes relaxation and facilitates restful sleep.
Bid farewell to sleepless nights and embrace the transformative power of the military sleep hack. By mastering this relaxation method, you can reclaim your nights and awaken refreshed and revitalized each morning.