Sleep deprivation and difficulty falling asleep are far more common than many people realize. At some point in life, most individuals struggle with sleep issues, and the causes can differ widely from person to person.

Common factors include stress and anxiety, an uncomfortable or noisy sleep environment, excessive consumption of caffeine or nicotine, irregular sleep schedules, and certain medical conditions or hormonal changes. In today’s fast-paced, screen-filled world, these factors often combine and make it even harder to get quality rest.

When you don’t get enough sleep, the effects quickly show during the day. You may feel constantly tired, have trouble concentrating, become forgetful, and experience increased irritability or mood swings. Over time, ongoing sleep deprivation can negatively impact both physical and mental health.

Fortunately, there are techniques that can help you fall asleep faster and improve sleep quality. One method that has recently gained massive attention on social media is a military sleep technique that claims to help people fall asleep in as little as two minutes.

This method was popularized by Justin Agustin, a fitness and health influencer, who shared it with his audience on TikTok. According to Agustin, the technique works for up to 96% of people who try it. Many viewers were eager to confirm its effectiveness and shared their experiences in the comments section of his viral video.

One user wrote, “I’m a military brat and was taught this. I also had a veteran psychology teacher in college who taught this. It definitely works.” Another commented, “I’ve got really bad insomnia and nothing works. I get some sleep with a lot of meds, but I never wake up rested. I’m trying this tonight.” A third person shared, “My mom taught me this and I taught my children. My son has many challenges, and this helps him relax and fall asleep quickly. He’s 9.”

According to Glamour, the military sleep method was originally developed for soldiers in the U.S. military and designed to work even in extremely stressful conditions, including active combat zones. This makes it especially appealing for people who struggle to relax their bodies and minds at night.

If you want to try the technique yourself, instructional videos online demonstrate the process step by step. The method focuses on gradually relaxing the body, starting with the muscles in your face and moving downward to your shoulders, arms, and hands. Next, you slowly exhale, allowing your chest to relax while keeping your shoulders loose and comfortable. You then release tension in your legs, beginning with your thighs and continuing down to your calves, ankles, and feet.

The final and most important step is clearing your mind. This is done by visualizing a calm and peaceful scene, helping your thoughts slow down and allowing your body to drift naturally into sleep.