The Military Sleep Method: Can You Really Fall Asleep in 2 Minutes?

Falling asleep should be simple, yet for many people it feels like an impossible nightly battle. You close your eyes, your body is tired, but your mind is wide awake—racing through unfinished tasks, tomorrow’s responsibilities, or replaying past conversations. The more you force yourself to sleep, the more restless you become. For insomniacs and light sleepers alike, bedtime can be the most stressful time of day.

But recently, a so-called “military sleep method” has gone viral online, claiming it can put you to sleep in under two minutes. Even more intriguing, it’s said to succeed for over 96% of people who practice it correctly.

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The Viral Method Everyone’s Talking About

Fitness and health influencer Justin Agustin brought renewed attention to this technique by sharing it with his audience on TikTok. He explained that the method was designed for U.S. soldiers—men and women who often needed to fall asleep in chaotic, high-pressure environments like battlefields. According to Agustin, the technique can train your body and mind to relax so deeply that sleep arrives almost instantly.

The response online has been overwhelming. Thousands of people flooded his post with their personal experiences.

• One user commented: “I’m a military brat and was taught this. I also had a veteran psychology teacher in college who confirmed it. It definitely works.”

• Another wrote: “I’ve battled insomnia for years. Medications help a little, but I still wake up drained. I’m trying this tonight.”

• A parent shared: “My mom taught me this and now I’ve taught my kids. My son, who has many challenges, uses it to calm down and fall asleep quickly—he’s only nine.”

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The Origins of the Military Sleep Technique

The strategy was first described in Lloyd Bud Winter’s 1981 book Relax and Win: Championship Performance. Winter, an American track and field coach, detailed how the U.S. military trained pilots and soldiers to sleep under intense stress. After just six weeks of practice, the method reportedly worked on 96% of soldiers, even in noisy environments or while sitting upright.

The principle behind the method is simple: by intentionally relaxing every part of the body and silencing mental chatter, the nervous system shifts from high alert into deep rest.

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How to Do It in 6 Steps

If you want to test the method at home, here’s how to try it:

1. Relax your face completely. Close your eyes, breathe slowly, and release all tension in your jaw, forehead, and around your eyes.

2. Drop your shoulders. Let your shoulders sink as low as possible, then relax your arms, biceps, forearms, and hands.

3. Exhale deeply. Open your chest as you breathe out, keeping your arms and shoulders loose and heavy.

4. Relax your legs. Start with your thighs, then work down through your calves, ankles, and feet until they feel limp.

5. Clear your mind. Visualize something peaceful—like lying in a canoe on a calm lake or resting in a dark, quiet room.

6. Quiet intrusive thoughts. If your mind wanders, repeat the phrase “don’t think” for about ten seconds. This simple mantra prevents spiraling thoughts from stealing your focus.

With regular practice, the body learns to respond faster, and sleep can arrive within two minutes.

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Why It Works

This method essentially hacks the parasympathetic nervous system—the part of your body responsible for rest and recovery. By consciously relaxing muscle groups and slowing your breathing, you signal to your brain that it’s safe to switch off. Pairing that with mental visualization gives the mind a clear escape from stress.

Experts suggest practicing the technique consistently, even during the day, to train your body. Much like meditation or yoga, the more you do it, the more effective it becomes.

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Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a soldier on the battlefield or simply someone tossing and turning in bed, the military sleep method offers a practical, drug-free solution for falling asleep faster. While it might not work instantly for everyone, with practice it can become a powerful tool for overcoming insomnia, calming anxiety, and reclaiming restful nights.

So the next time you’re staring at the ceiling counting sheep, try giving this two-minute method a shot—you might just surprise yourself.