The Military Sleep Method: Why You Should Give It a Try!

“I want to sleep, but my brain won’t stop talking to itself.” — Anonymous

Isn’t it the truth!? Doesn’t it upset you when you’re just tired (mind and body) but sleep eludes you? I know I get cranky when I can’t sleep and wake up groggy. Rest is, after all, one of the most important aspects of your well-being and not getting enough sleep can not only feel frustrating but can also affect your quality of life.

In the last few years, many sleep techniques have emerged to help fall asleep quickly, and one of the most efficient ones is the military sleep method. The military sleep technique has gained attention for its uncanny ability to improve sleep patterns and improve performance in soldiers and personnel.

This unique approach to sleep focuses on maximizing rest in small timeframes, allowing you to function at your full potential, even when you’re living a demanding life.

The military method to fall asleep can alternatively be known as “strategic sleep”, a technique that’s designed to provide you with quick naps. If you’re curious about this sleep technique, then keep reading to know how to practice it and how it benefits you.

The Military Sleep Technique: How to Practice?

To practice the military sleep method, you need to follow these steps;

Step 1: Close your eyes and bring your attention to your breathing. Try taking slow, deliberate, deep breaths.

 Step 2: Now, try to relax your muscles slowly. Start from your forehead and move slowly downwards to your eyes, cheeks, mouth, and jaw. Pay attention to one part of your body at a time. During all this relaxation, keep breathing deeply.

Step 3: Now, bring the attention to your shoulders and arms. Once your facial muscles relax, work on loosening your shoulder muscles and arms. Start at your neck and release the tension gathered there. Drop your shoulders and let yourself relax in your bed. Continue the same with your arms starting from your biceps, forearms, hands, and finally fingers.

Step 4: Keep working your way downwards. Once your upper body is relaxed, slowly relax other parts of your body. Start at your chest, move to the abdomen, and then the pelvis. After that, bring your attention to your thighs, knees, calves, ankles, feet, and finally your toes.

Step 5: Once your body is relaxed enough to sink into the bed, it’s time to clear and quiet your mind. You can do this by imagining a calm place or your happy place. I like to imagine myself lying on a soft blanket in a canopy surrounded by towering trees and a cool breeze. You can imagine lying on a beachside or a meadow if you prefer so. The idea of this exercise is to calm and soothe your mind to lull it into sleep.

Practice this military sleep method for six weeks, each night, and see how your sleep patterns improve for the better! This 2-minute sleep technique is guaranteed to help you fall asleep faster and better.

Should You Try The Military Sleep Method?

While there is no specific research that proves the effectiveness of the military sleep technique, there have been some studies that share the benefits of this sleep technique. It is believed that practicing the military sleep method can improve deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization.

In a 2018 study, it was found that deep breathing can promote better sleep as it helps relax your body, calm your nerves, and slow your heart rate. It can also trigger the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone.

In another study published in 2020, it was found that practicing progressive muscle relaxation can promote relaxation and combat insomnia. Moreover, PMR is said to reduce anxious and ruminating thoughts that might keep you awake at night.

In other sleep studies, it was found that practicing visualization as a relaxation technique can help you calm your anxious thoughts, reduce distress and unwanted thoughts, and fall asleep faster.

How Does This Military Sleep Technique Benefit You?

This military sleep technique can help you fall asleep quicker than other techniques. When you can’t fall asleep, it may result in you feeling cranky, tired, and worn out. Did you know that insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders experienced by at least 10% of adults?

Moreover, it has been reported that 20% of adults experience symptoms of insomnia.

Getting a good night’s sleep each night can help;

• Improve immunity
• Better weight management
• Lower the risk of chronic diseases
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Boost your mood
• Boost your productivity
• Make better decisions
• Improve focus and concentration
• Promote clear thinking and mind
• Improve relationships

Is The Military Sleep Method Worth It?

When we talk about the various sleep and calming techniques, many can work for you, and others can’t. Several studies have shown how rest is something that is intrinsically woven with our well-being and how important it is to get good quality sleep for our emotional, mental, and physical health.

If you have a high-stress job where you are constantly consumed with anxious and stressful thoughts, then the military sleep method can work for you. In a study with US military personnel, it was proven that this military sleep technique works on at least 96% of people – so in my opinion, it’s worth giving a shot!

The military sleep method is surely a unique approach to sleep but in the end, it’s just like any other sleep technique. With a focus on deep breathing, muscle relaxation, and visualization, this 2-minute sleep technique does have many health benefits that you can’t miss out on.

If you struggle with falling asleep, then you should give the military sleep method a try! Make sure you stay consistent and practice the sleep technique for at least six weeks each night to reap the benefits.

If this sleep technique doesn’t work, then you can try other sleep techniques such as 4-7-8 breathing, guided sleep meditations, and sleep podcasts too!

Did you try this military sleep method to fall asleep faster? How did it work for you? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Sleep Well!