Getting good sleep is critical. A 2018 study found that people who sleep for 5 – 6 hours are 19% less productive than people who regularly sleep for seven to eight hours per night. People who sleep for fewer than five hours are nearly 30 percent less productive. Most people know they need more sleep. But what if you struggle to fall asleep try the Military Sleep Method and here’s how:
- Relax your face. Close your eyes. Breathe slowly and deeply. Then slowly relax all of your face muscles. (If it helps, start with your forehead muscles and work your way down.) Relax your jaw, your cheeks, your mouth, your tongue, everything. Including your eyes; let them go.
- Drop your shoulders and hands. Let go of any tension. Relax your neck, your traps; feel yourself sinking into the chair or bed. Then start at the top of your right arm, and slowly relax your biceps, forearms, and hands. Repeat on the other side. And don’t forget to keep breathing slowly and deeply.
- Exhale and relax your chest. With your shoulders and arms relaxed, that should be easy.
- Relax your legs. Start with your right thigh; let it sink into the chair or bed. Then do the same with your calf, ankle, and foot. Repeat the process with your left leg.
- Clear your mind. Granted, it’s hard to not think about anything. (I end up thinking about not thinking about anything.) If that’s you, try holding an image in your mind. Choose something relaxing. Picture yourself lying comfortably in darkness. But if that doesn’t work.
- Try repeating the words “don’t think” for 10 seconds. If nothing else, that should help distract you from thinking about whatever it is that might otherwise keep you awake.
Keep in mind practice is the key. The Military Sleeping Method might not help you fall asleep faster the first few times, but the more consistently you use it, the better you’ll train yourself to relax. And let go.
