Can You Really Fall Asleep in Two Minutes? The Military Sleep Method Is Going Viral — Here’s Why
It sounds almost too good to be real: a sleep method developed for soldiers in high-stress warzones that promises to help anyone fall asleep in under two minutes. As videos explaining the technique rack up millions of views online, the so-called “military sleep method” is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about wellness hacks of the year.
But why is a decades-old method suddenly exploding in popularity? And more importantly — does it actually work?
From the Battlefield to the Bedroom
Struggling to fall asleep isn’t a new problem. Millions lie awake each night, staring at the ceiling, minds racing with to-do lists, worries, or just the noise of everyday life. For those living with anxiety or insomnia, the nightly routine can feel like a mental battlefield.
That’s where this technique comes in — a system reportedly designed for U.S. military personnel to fall asleep under the most intense conditions, including in active combat zones. Originally detailed in Lloyd Bud Winter’s 1981 book Relax and Win: Championship Performance, the method aims to train the body and mind to shut down quickly, regardless of the environment.
And thanks to TikTok fitness and wellness creator Justin Agustin, it’s now gaining massive traction across social media platforms. In one viral video, he claims that 96% of people who stick with the method for six weeks can consistently fall asleep in just two minutes. Thousands in the comments back him up.
“I have severe insomnia and rely on medication. I’m trying this tonight in hopes of some real rest,” one viewer shared.
“My mom taught me this and I’ve passed it to my kids. It helps my son, who struggles with anxiety, fall asleep quickly,” another said.
So How Does It Work?
The military method is surprisingly simple, focusing on progressive relaxation and mental distraction. Here’s how to do it:
Relax your face – Close your eyes and consciously release all tension from your forehead, jaw, tongue, and eyelids.
Drop your shoulders – Let your shoulders slump down naturally, and let your arms fall limp by your sides.
Exhale and relax your chest – Take a slow breath out, feeling your chest sink and loosen.
Soften your legs – Start with your thighs and move downward, relaxing your calves, ankles, and feet.
Clear your mind – Picture something calm, like floating on a still lake or lying in a pitch-dark room.
@justin_agustin Technique to falling asleep in 2 minutes! Insp. AsapSCIENCE on YT #sleep #fallasleep #insomnia #insomniac #learnontiktok #howto ♬ You – Petit Biscuit
Still thinking too much? – Gently repeat the phrase “don’t think” for 10 seconds to quiet your brain.
The key is consistency. While the method might not yield instant results for everyone, practicing it nightly is said to train the nervous system into a faster sleep response over time.
A Trend or a Transformation?
Why is the military sleep method resonating so deeply now? Some say it’s part of a growing cultural shift toward mental health, self-care, and science-backed life hacks. Others argue it reflects a deeper exhaustion — a sign of a generation desperate for better sleep in a chronically overstimulated world.
Whether it’s rooted in military rigor or the calming language of mindfulness, the appeal is clear: a no-cost, no-tech, no-pill solution that promises better rest. And for many who’ve tried it, the results are more than just viral hype.
Final Thoughts
The military sleep method isn’t just another internet trend — it’s a rediscovered tool in the growing arsenal of sleep solutions. While it may not replace professional help for chronic sleep disorders, it offers something that’s increasingly rare in the modern world: a sense of control over our most basic need — rest.
Whether you’re a skeptic or already swearing by it, one thing’s certain: in a restless world, the promise of two-minute sleep is enough to make anyone listen.