Falling asleep quickly and efficiently is crucial for soldiers. With inconsistent schedules and high-intensity scenarios, the ability to sleep as soon as an opportunity arises can be of great benefit in the military world. The good news is, the ‘Military Method’ sleep technique can also be useful for civilians struggling with insomnia or sleep issues.

This method comes from the pre-World War II book Relax and Win: Championship Performance. Its reported effectiveness is high - up to 96 percent after six weeks of consistent practice*. So, here is a step-by-step breakdown of the military method for falling asleep fast:

  1. Start by relaxing your body. This includes the muscles in your face – forehead, jaw, and the muscles around your eyes. Don’t forget to include your tongue and any other muscles around your mouth and neck.

  2. Lower your shoulders as far down as they’ll go. Follow that with relaxing your dominant arm, then the other one.

  3. Breathe out, and relax your chest. Then, focus on relaxing your legs, starting from your thighs and working your way down to your feet.

  4. The next step involves clearing your mind for about 10 seconds. Some suggest visualizing a calming scenario, like floating in a boat on a serene lake, or being snuggled in a black velvet hammock in a pitch-black room.

  5. If visualization isn’t appealing, repeating the words “Don’t think” for about 10 seconds can also lead to a clear mind.

  6. If after several minutes you haven’t fallen asleep, you may want to try a different strategy or seek professional help.

Just like any technique, the military method may not work for everyone. Other factors such as creating a comfortable sleep environment, sticking to a sleep schedule, exercising regularly, and limiting screen time before bed can also significantly impact sleep quality.

It’s also worth noting that persistent sleep issues could indicate a more serious condition, such as sleep apnea, anxiety, or depression. For these issues, it’s essential to seek professional help.

Overall, applying simple yet effective techniques like the military method for falling asleep could lead to better sleep quality, resulting in improved overall health and wellness.

*Disclaimer: While this method has been reportedly effective for many people, individual results may vary.