Struggling to fall asleep or staying up too late isn’t as uncommon as you might think. In fact, most people deal with sleep difficulties at some point in their lives—and the causes can be surprisingly varied.
Common culprits include stress and anxiety, an uncomfortable sleep environment, too much caffeine or nicotine, inconsistent sleep schedules, and even certain medical conditions or hormonal changes.
When you’re not getting enough rest, the effects can show up quickly: daytime fatigue, irritability, trouble concentrating, and forgetfulness are all telltale signs of sleep deprivation.
Luckily, there are ways that can help you fall asleep easily, and a military sleep method that is currently trending on the social media is one of them.
Justin Agustin, a fitness and health influencer, is the man who popularized this military sleep method that apparently helps you fall asleep in just two minutes.
According to him, it works for 96% of those who have given it a go and were more than happy to share the results under the comment section of his viral TikTok video.
“I’m a military brat—I grew up with this technique,” one person shared. “Later, my psychology professor in college, a veteran himself, taught it too. It definitely works.”
Another chimed in: “I struggle with severe insomnia. Most nights, even with medication, I barely get any rest. I’m trying this method tonight.”
A third added, “My mom taught me this years ago, and now I’ve passed it down to my kids. My son, who faces a lot of challenges, uses it to calm down and fall asleep quickly. He’s only nine, and it helps him a lot.”
According to Glamour, the military sleep method was originally developed for U.S. soldiers—designed to help them fall asleep fast, even under high-stress conditions like active combat zones.
Curious to try it yourself? The video below breaks down exactly how it’s done.
It’s all about releasing your muscles, starting with the ones on your face and going down to your hands and shoulders. Next, exhale and expand your chest while keeping your arms and shoulders relaxed and comfortable. Ease tension in your legs, starting with the thighs, and followed by your calves, ankles, and feet.
Finally, clear your mind by creating a serene image in your mind.