Many people have trouble falling or staying asleep, and it’s more common than you might think. Daily stress, anxiety, late-night screen time, caffeine, or even a noisy environment can disrupt your body’s natural sleep rhythm. The result? You wake up groggy, irritable, forgetful, or exhausted—no matter how long you stayed in bed.

Sleep is vital for both physical and mental health. Without proper rest, your immune system weakens, your mood dips, and your focus suffers. That’s why finding a reliable way to fall asleep faster is so important for your overall well-being.

One technique that’s gaining popularity across social media is the “military sleep method.” Shared by fitness influencer Justin Agustin, this strategy was reportedly developed by the U.S. military to help soldiers fall asleep under stressful, noisy conditions—like a battlefield. The idea is to train your body and mind to relax quickly, even in less-than-ideal environments.

Here’s how the technique works:

1. Lie down and relax your entire body—starting with your face. Release tension from your jaw, forehead, and around your eyes.

2. Drop your shoulders and let your arms fall naturally to your sides.

3. Exhale deeply and relax your chest, followed by your legs—from your thighs all the way down to your feet.

4. Clear your mind. To help with this, try imagining yourself in a peaceful setting, like lying in a canoe on a calm lake or resting in a dark, quiet room.

5. If your thoughts drift, repeat a calming phrase in your head like “don’t think” for 10 seconds.

According to Agustin, with consistent practice, most people can fall asleep in under two minutes using this method—even in stressful situations.

While it may not be an overnight miracle, the military sleep technique is simple, natural, and drug-free. And in a world filled with distractions and stress, it might just be the calming bedtime ritual you’ve been missing.