There is nothing like a good night’s sleep after a long day.

But sometimes, the more we want to sleep, the more it actually becomes difficult.

Decreased productivity, irritability, and difficulty concentrating the next day – these are just a few of the negative consequences that come with insufficient sleep. Not to mention the more serious and long-term effects of chronic sleep deprivation.

So if you spend more time tossing and turning in your bed, trying to fall asleep than actually sleeping, the military secret may just knock you off to your beauty rest within a minute.

 

 

What is the military method?

 

Despite how it sounds, the military method is not actually an extreme measure to get you off to sleep. It does not involve any special device and does not require a full military training.

The military method is an old sleep hack developed during World War II to ensure US military pilots get adequate sleep and commit less mishaps from exhaustion.

It is proven and tested to work in two minutes or less even in non-ideal circumstances like combat zones with gunfire noises and explosions

So if it works for fighter pilots in battlefields, imagine what it can do for you in a conducive and safe environment.

 

 

How to do it

 

1. Get into a comfortable position.
2. Relax the muscles in your face, including your tongue, jaw and the muscles around your eyes
3. Drop your shoulders down to release tension and do the same with your upper and lower arm, one at a time
4. Breathe in and breath out listening to the sound of your own breath
5. With each breath, let your chest relax followed by your legs, thigh and calves
6. Clear your mind by imagining a relaxing scene for 10 seconds
7. If it doesn’t work, say “don’t think” to yourself over and over for about 10 seconds.
8. Within 10 seconds, you should be snoozing already!

 

 

Reputedly, the military secret to falling asleep is said to work for 96% of people after solid six weeks of practice even after caffeinating.

If it fails to do the job, you may want to work on your breathing and muscle relaxation skills which are the foundation of the military method.

Additionally, some sleep conditions may call out for more intensive intervention like medication or therapy.

Nonetheless, if it works for many, then it’s worth the shot.