Falling asleep quickly is a struggle many people face.
One of the most stressful experiences is lying awake in bed, thoughts racing, while the clock counts down the precious hours of rest before morning. And the harder you try to sleep, the more elusive it seems.
Now, a sleep trick reportedly used by the military is going viral online, and it claims to help people fall asleep in just two minutes — with an impressive success rate of 96%.
Viral Success Thanks to a Fitness Influencer
The technique has gained popularity thanks to fitness and wellness content creator Justin Agustin, who has been promoting the method on his TikTok page.
Agustin says the approach can send you to sleep in under two minutes — and according to the feedback he’s received, it seems to work for the vast majority of people who try it.
People have flooded the comments on Agustin’s post with personal stories of success. One user shared, “I’m a military brat and was taught this. I also had a veteran psychology teacher in college who taught this. It definitely works.”
Another commented: “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.”
Someone else wrote: “My mom taught me this and I taught my children. My son has many challenges, and this helps him relax and fall asleep quickly — he’s 9.”
@justin_agustin Technique to falling asleep in 2 minutes! Insp. AsapSCIENCE on YT #sleep #fallasleep #insomnia #insomniac #learnontiktok #howto
Origins in Military Training
So, what exactly is the military sleep method?
According to Glamour, this sleep protocol was specifically developed for US soldiers to help them fall asleep even in extremely stressful environments — including battlefields.
The technique was detailed by American track and field coach Lloyd Bud Winter in his 1981 book Relax and Win: Championship Performance, where he emphasized its ability to train athletes to relax deeply under pressure.
How to Practice the Military Sleep Method
As explained by Forces, the method consists of six straightforward steps:
1. Relax Your Face
Start by releasing all tension in your face. Close your eyes, take deep, slow breaths, and begin relaxing your forehead, cheeks, mouth, and jaw.
2. Drop Your Shoulders and Arms
Let your shoulders fall and release any tension in your upper body. Work your way down through your biceps, forearms, and hands.
3. Open Up Your Chest
Exhale and allow your chest to relax, maintaining a calm and comfortable posture.
4. Relax Your Lower Body
Just like with your arms, slowly ease the tension in your legs — starting with your thighs, then moving to your calves, ankles, and feet.
5. Clear Your Mind
Focus on visualizing something peaceful. Try to hold onto a calming mental image, such as lying in a canoe on a calm lake or resting in a quiet dark room.
6. Repeat a Calming Phrase
If your thoughts start to wander, repeat the phrase “don’t think” over and over for about ten seconds. This repetition helps block intrusive thoughts and clears the mind.
A Simple, Effective Tool for Better Sleep
Although it may sound too good to be true, the military sleep method has been praised by many as a life-changing tool — particularly for those struggling with insomnia or stress-induced sleep issues. With consistent practice and patience, this technique might just be the solution to those long, sleepless nights.