Military Sleep Method Goes Viral for Helping People Fall Asleep in 2 Minutes
Sleep deprivation and trouble falling asleep are far more common than many realize. Whether due to stress, caffeine, poor sleep hygiene, or underlying health issues, countless individuals find themselves tossing and turning when they should be resting.
Fortunately, there’s a military-approved sleep technique that’s making waves on social media — and users are raving about the results.
A Sleep Hack That’s Gone Viral
Justin Agustin, a fitness and health influencer, recently popularized the “military sleep method” on TikTok. According to his video, this technique helps people fall asleep in under two minutes, and boasts an impressive success rate.
“According to him, it works for 96% of those who have given it a go,” reports Glamour, “and many were more than happy to share their results in the comments.”
The method has since gone viral, with thousands of people — including veterans, insomniacs, and parents — saying it changed the way they sleep.
“I’m a military brat and was taught this. I also had a veteran psychology teacher in college who taught this. It definitely works,” one TikTok user commented.
Another added, “I’ve got really bad insomnia and nothing works. I get some sleep with a lot of meds, but I never wake up rested. I’m trying this tonight.”
“My mom taught me this and I taught my children,” a third wrote. “My son has many challenges, and this helps him relax and fall asleep quickly. He’s 9.”
What Is the Military Sleep Method?
Originally developed for U.S. military soldiers, this technique was designed to help troops fall asleep quickly, even under intense battlefield conditions. That’s right — this method doesn’t rely on a quiet room or perfect mattress to work.
The steps are straightforward and focus on deep relaxation and mental visualization:
1. Relax Your Face
Start by releasing tension in your facial muscles — unclench your jaw, relax your tongue, and let your eyelids become heavy.
2. Drop Your Shoulders and Arms
Let your shoulders sink, relaxing them completely. Allow your arms and hands to go limp.
3. Exhale and Expand the Chest
Breathe deeply and slowly, focusing on expanding your chest while keeping your upper body relaxed.
4. Relax the Lower Body
Release tension in your thighs, then move down to your calves, ankles, and finally your feet.
5. Clear Your Mind
Here’s where the technique becomes mental. Picture a peaceful scene — maybe lying in a canoe on a calm lake or resting in a quiet, dark room. If distracting thoughts pop up, repeat the phrase “don’t think” for 10 seconds to center yourself.
Why It Works
The military sleep method is rooted in progressive muscle relaxation and mindfulness visualization, both of which have been studied for their effectiveness in calming the nervous system and reducing anxiety before bed.
By systematically focusing on each part of the body and then visualizing calm, your brain is gently coaxed into a restful state.
Should You Try It?
If you struggle with falling asleep — especially due to stress or racing thoughts — this technique is well worth trying. It’s free, drug-free, and doesn’t rely on any external tools or apps.
And with thousands of people across TikTok, Reddit, and Instagram claiming it has worked for them, the military sleep method might be the simple bedtime reset your body needs.