No more sleepless nights: Military trick claims to switch off your brain in 2 minutes

Indeed, in today's world, where gadgets and stress have become major obstacles to rest, falling asleep can sometimes feel impossible. It is not surprising that people are searching for methods and techniques to help the body relax and recover.

Method history: From fighter jet cockpits to bedrooms

The technique was first publicly described in 1981 in Lloyd Bud Winter's book Relax and Win: Championship Performance.

It was developed for fighter pilots, whose reaction time and reflexes depend directly on the quality of their rest. In combat conditions, soldiers had to learn to fall asleep even under artillery fire to maintain combat readiness.

Military method: Step-by-step guide

The technique relies on a step-by-step full-body relaxation and "switching off" thoughts.

Step 1: Complete facial relaxation

First, lie down comfortably, close your eyes, and relax the muscles of your face, including your tongue, jaw, and the muscles around your eyes. The face should become completely still and "soft."

Step 2: Upper-body tension release

Lower your shoulders as much as possible and feel the tension leaving your neck. Then progressively relax your right arm (from the forearm to the hand), followed by your left arm.

Step 3: Exhalation and leg relaxation

Breathing should be slow and deep. Take a strong exhale while relaxing the chest. Then move to the legs: thighs first, then calves and feet. You should feel a warm sensation spreading from head to toes.

Step 4: Mind-clearing

This is the most important step. After the body has been relaxed for about 10 seconds, the goal is to completely stop the flow of thoughts.

Experts suggest three options:

• Imagine lying in a canoe on a calm lake under a clear blue sky
• Imagine being in a cozy black velvet hammock in a completely dark room
• If thoughts return, repeat the phrase "Don't think, don't think, don't think" for 10 seconds.

This combination of physical and mental relaxation is the core principle of the "military" method.

How effective is technique in practice?

Fitness coach Justin Agustin previously claimed that, if performed correctly, the method can work for 96% of people. However, he emphasizes that it does not produce instant results—it may take several weeks or even months of practice.

YouTube blogger Sean Andrew, who tested the method for a week, initially saw no effect. By the end of the week, however, he confirmed that the technique could indeed "switch off" his consciousness within minutes. During filming, he reportedly began to doze off without noticing.

Why military use this method

The main reason is effectiveness under stress. Soldiers and pilots often need to fall asleep in difficult environments with noise, tension, and limited time for rest. The technique is designed not just for relaxation, but for rapid "resetting" of the body.

In essence, it trains the body and mind to work in sync: when muscles relax, the nervous system receives a signal of safety, while thought control reduces anxiety.

Why it may not work immediately

Coach Justin Agustin warns that despite bold claims, the military method does not deliver instant results without practice. In most cases, stable effects appear only after about six weeks of daily use.

He also notes that habits significantly affect effectiveness: avoiding alcohol and reducing blue-light exposure from screens can help people fall asleep faster.

At the same time, for those who regularly struggle with insomnia and racing thoughts before bed, the technique may become a useful tool for improving sleep quality.