A method used by the U.S. military in World War II could be an effective way to cure insomnia, some people claim.
The strategy, known as the “military sleep technique,” reportedly has helped people fall asleep in less than five minutes.
U.S. Navy pilots used this method to relax and fall asleep within two minutes, even under very high-stress conditions.
In a recent viral TikTok, user “mindbrainbodylab” described the process as follows: “Imagine a scanner going down your entire body, starting at the very top.”
“Relax every muscle in your face first, including your cheeks and your tongue,” he said.
“Unclench your jaw and take slow, deep breaths.”
Next, the would-be sleeper should focus on relaxing the muscles in the shoulders, arms and hands, “imagining every single piece and muscle of [the body] relaxing,” said mindbrainbodylab.
“It’s super important that you continue to deep-breathe for this to work,” he added.
The person should then relax the chest and stomach, all while taking deep breaths — and then relax the right and left legs.
Now that you’ve let go of tension in your body, it’s time to do the same with your mind,” said mindbrainbodylab.
Next, the poster said, “Imagine you’re getting more and more relaxed as you’re [lying] there in peace and calm.”
“Usually, I’m asleep before I get to my legs,” he said.
For those who may have tried the military sleep method without success, psychiatrist Alex Dimitriu, MD suggested adjusting the pre-bedtime routine to better facilitate slumber.
“Try to slow down before actually turning out the lights,” he recommended — adding that he tells his patients to turn off all technology at 10 p.m
“Another important factor is what to do if you cannot fall asleep within 20 minutes — the answer is to stop trying,” he said.
“I recommend people keep a physical book, or a Kindle (set very dim), and either read something while relaxing in bed, or get out of bed and read in another dimly lit room until sleepy,” said Dimitriu.
Psychologist Dr. Shelby Harris also advised that people follow a regular sleep schedule along with having a relaxing bedtime routine.
Daytime meditation can also help people sleep better at night, noted Dimitriu.
Doing this for just 10 minutes a day can serve as a “superpower” to help with sleep, he said.
Give it a try…