Sleep Like a Soldier: The Rapid Technique for Falling Asleep in Record Time
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Sleep Like a Soldier: The Rapid Technique for Falling Asleep in Record Time

Say goodbye to restless nights and hello to swift slumber with this military-tested approach.

Eric

Eric

Wednesday, March 30, 2022

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5 min

The hustle and bustle of modern life often leaves us with less time for precious sleep. Ironically, the less time we have, the more elusive sleep becomes, as we stress about needing to wake up soon. But fear not, fellow insomniacs, there's a tried-and-tested method that'll have you snoozing in just two minutes flat, no matter the circumstances.

The Technique

Developed during World War II to help American pilots sleep in extreme conditions, this military technique doesn't require a comfy bed, soothing herbs, or a light dinner. Described in Lloyd Bud Winter's book “Relax and Win: Championship Performance in Whatever You Do,” here's how it works:

  • Lie on your back, close your eyes, and start relaxing. Don't forget to relax your facial muscles, including your jaw, forehead, and even your eye sockets! Only proceed when you feel your eyes begin to sink.
  • Work your way down, relaxing your arms and hands, then your chest, hips, and finally your legs. Spend at least 10 seconds on each phase, clearing your mind of all thoughts.
  • This is the trickiest part, as your brain loves to bombard you with images and problems from the day. To help, repeat "don't think" in your mind at least ten times. With practice, clearing your thoughts will become a habit.
  • Visualization can also help you drift off. Imagine lying on a black couch or hammock surrounded by darkness or floating in a canoe on a serene lake.

    • The beauty of this method is its versatility: you can doze off anywhere, anytime. American soldiers have even mastered falling asleep while sitting, provided there's a backrest for their head and good foot support. It doesn't matter how noisy your surroundings are or how much coffee you've consumed; simply follow the steps and catch those Zs.

    Perfecting Your Sleep Environment

    Photo by Alexander Possingham on Unsplash
    Photo by Alexander Possingham on Unsplash

    While the two-minute sleep technique works wonders, cultivating the ideal sleep conditions can further enhance your snooze experience. Here are some tips:

  • Air it out: Fresh air helps you fall asleep, so ventilate your bedroom half an hour before bedtime and, if possible, sleep with a cracked window.
  • Find the right mattress: A well-suited mattress that's not too hard, not too soft, and supports your body can make falling asleep a breeze.
  • Don't overeat at night: A heavy meal might make you drowsy, but it'll also divert your body's energy to digestion rather than sleep.
  • Ditch the screens: Blue light from phones and computers hampers melatonin production, making sleep more elusive.
  • Skip the TV: Most people struggle to fall asleep after watching TV, so save your favorite shows for another time.
  • Take a relaxing bath: A warm bath (or shower) with calming shower gel can help you unwind before bed.
  • Sip on sleep-inducing beverages: Try lemon balm tea, chamomile tea, or a glass of warm milk with honey.
  • Read a non-addictive book: Reading can lull you to sleep—just make sure it's not a page-turner that'll keep you up all night.

    • The Seafarer's Dilemma

    What's fascinating about this technique is that it not only works, but it's also been adopted by other professions, like seafarers. The dilemma? Deciding whether to sleep now or wait for a longer rest period. Much like soldiers, seafarers have unpredictable schedules and must make the most of any opportunity to rest. Many other trades likely face similar challenges.

    Considering we spend about half our lives asleep, it makes sense to invest time and effort into improving this essential activity. Whether you're a soldier, a seafarer, or just someone struggling to catch a good night's sleep, this military-grade technique could be the key to unlocking better, faster slumber. Say goodbye to sleepless nights and hello to a well-rested, more productive you.