Sleep can evade all of us at times, and leave us tossing and turning in our beds. Yet there's a military technique that promises to have us fast asleep in just under two minutes...if you can master it.
One TikTok user has tried the expert technique and describes the results as 'mindblowing'. Fitness expert Justin Agustin shared his review of mastering the 120 second technique that now helps him fall asleep anywhere and at any time he wants to.
Watch the video here:
In the video, Justin explains how the technique works.
Speaking to camera, Justin said: "According to my research, this was developed mainly for fighter pilots who need 100% of their reflexes and focus, which we all know decreases with the lack of sleep.
"To start with, take some deep breaths and start relaxing each and every part of your body - from head to toe.
"Start by relaxing the muscles in your forehead. Relax your eyes, your cheeks, your jaw and focus on your breathing. Now go down to your neck and your shoulders.
"Make sure your shoulders are not tensed up. Drop them as low as you can and keep your arms loose by your side, including your hands and fingers.
"While doing this, imagine a warm sensation going from your head down to your fingertips, before going from your heart to your toes.
"Now, take a deep breath and slowly exhale, relaxing your chest, your stomach, down to your thighs, knees, legs and feet."
Justin continued, explaining how to picture one of two scenarios to ensure you make it into the land of nod. He shared: "During the technique, it's important to try and clear your mind of any thoughts and/or stresses. To do this, think of two scenarios.
"One - you’re lying in a canoe on a calm lake with nothing but a clear blue sky above you.
"Two - you’re lying in a black velvet hammock in a pitch black room.
"And, if at any point you feel yourself getting distracted, repeat the words "Don't think, don't think, don't think" for 10 seconds."
The technique isn't supposed to be effective immediately, and can in fact take weeks of practice to master. Justin told his TikTok viewers that it takes practice of up to six weeks.
He added: "Apparently, 96% of people who mastered this technique are actually able to fall asleep within two minutes of shutting their eyes."
Since going live the video has since gathered over 250,000 likes and nearly 4000 comments. Users have been quick to comment on how the technique has helped them. One TikTok user commented: "My doctor [taught] me this technique with slight variations when I had insomnia due to PTSD. Trust me it works 100% once you get it down."
Another added: "I'm a military brat and was taught this. I also had a veteran as a psychology teacher in college who taught this. it definitely works."
Some users are already planning to put the technique into practice when they get into bed tonight. One wrote: "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."
Another shared: "I have a hard time sleeping due to ptsd and anxiety along with overthinking... Imma try this out seeing how lack of sleep is effecting my life."
Goodbye insomnia, hello hours of blissful sleep!
Featured Image Credit: Unsplash
Niamh Spence