Parenting Page - Military Sleep Technique:

How To Fall Asleep in 2 Minutes: The Military Sleep Method | Darshak Rana:

My sister-in-law reckons I could make a fortune from just by recording myself talking about politics, science, pretty much anything - as it puts her to sleep really quickly whenever I visit her family down south.

Sleep is an absolute key to health and wellbeing. Back in the day I engaged in a few quite big events. Things like 'The Krypton Factor' - twice; the English Cup Football Final; numerous major football and softball finals; exams; presenting at a national conference with the Governor-General at that time and so on. Trying to sleep before those events became harder because I knew it was important I get to sleep and the stress of worrying about whether I would get to sleep meant I didn't - for ages.

For me, for whom getting to sleep is normally not a problem, the answer lay in a mental mind-shift. I told myself that just lying there and resting was actually a huge help to my mind and body. I told myself it didn't matter I wasn't sleeping yet because I was getting the restorative rest I needed, asleep or not. Honestly, it worked. 

If you find it hard to get to sleep you are not alone:

“The worst thing in the world is to try to sleep and not to.” — F. Scott Fitzgerald

So here's a solution that has a 96% reported success rate after six weeks of implementing the process.

The Military Sleep Technique

The quick sleep formula has 3 important parts:

1. Muscle Relaxation

2. Focussed Breathing

3. Visualisation (Optional But Highly Recommended)

The Steps Involved:

Free yourself from all the chores and sit on your bed’s edge. Ensure that your bedside light is off and your phone is on DND mode. 

Now relax your face. If you haven’t done it before, here’s an easy way — first, tighten your face through a wince, and then let your facial muscles relax naturally. Also, let your tongue drop down in any manner in your mouth.

After relaxing your facial muscles, let gravity pull down your shoulders as if it has no energy of its own. Let your arms hang sideways.

Now, inhale and exhale slowly, focusing on the “swishing” sound of your breath. You can follow the 4–7–8 breathing method: Count to 4 while taking a deep leisurely inhalation, 7 counts of holding your breath, and exhale through 8 counts. 

Allow gravity to soften your thighs and lower legs with each breath.

As your entire body feels energy-less, repeat the phrase “Don’t think, don’t think” as a chant. You can also substitute this chant with any positive affirmation.

Optional but highly recommended: If you’re not good at silencing your mind, visualise yourself sitting at a tranquil place like mountains, beaches, boats, a rocking chair, etc.

Within a few seconds, you’ll drift off to sleep.

Caveat: The effectiveness of this method depends on practice and how well you can silence your mind from the “restless” thoughts of daily activities.

Should You Try Out the Military Sleep Method?

The answer is yes!

If you’re struggling to fall asleep or wake up in the middle of the night and can’t go back to sleep, this method might be for you. It has a 96% success ratio after six weeks of practice.

There are many reasons why you should try out the military sleep method. 

Here’s why:

I. You’ll Fall Asleep Faster

One of the biggest benefits of the military sleep method is that you’ll fall asleep faster. This is because you’ll be learning how to relax and clear your mind before bed.

II. You’ll Wake Up Feeling More Refreshed

The reason you wake up without zeal and energy is not having a sound sleep.

Since the military sleep method focuses on silencing the mind and relaxing the body, you’ll wake up refreshed in addition to sleeping faster and better.

III. You’ll Be Less Tired During the Day

Tiredness is one of the main reasons why people don’t get enough sleep.

When you use the military sleep method, you’ll be less tired. It also means you’ll be more productive and have more energy to do things you enjoy.

IV. You’ll Have Fewer Nightmares

According to WebMD, nightmares are a common problem for people who don’t get enough sleep. When you use the military sleep method, you’ll have a more restful night’s sleep causing fewer nightmares.

V. You’ll Be Less Stressed

Stress is cyclic.

Stress = Sleep Problems = Poor Productivity = Stress

When you use the military sleep method, you’ll be less stressed because it teaches you to relax and fall asleep faster.

No matter what your reason is, learning how to sleep faster can be a huge help when you have less sleep time during exams, project deadlines, business audits, layover flights, social functions, etc.

So, if you’re looking for a way to get more restful sleep, wake up feeling more refreshed, and be less tired during the day, then you should definitely try out the military sleep method.

It’s an easy way to get the sleep you need so that you can feel your best!

The best way to determine if this military sleep technique is worth it is to give it a go.

“Happiness consists of getting enough sleep. Just that, nothing more.” 

  — Robert A. Heinlein