This Military Sleep Hack Promises You’ll Fall Asleep in 2 Minutes

Sleep issues plague millions of Americans, and eco-conscious lifestyles can sometimes mean late nights researching sustainable swaps or stressing about climate change. But what if a simple, proven military trick could help you fall asleep fast—even if you’re anxious, overstimulated, or just plain exhausted?

According to GOOD’s Tod Perry, the U.S. Navy Pre-Flight School developed a technique to help pilots sleep in combat zones. With practice, 96% of participants were able to fall asleep in two minutes or less. If it works in warzones, it can definitely work in your peaceful, vegan-scented bedroom.

Here’s how it works (Pilots learnt to sleep sat down, we’re assuming you’re lying down in bed..)

Step 1: Lie down, hands in your lap. Breathe slowly and relax every muscle in your face—jaw, cheeks, eyes, tongue. Let it all go slack.

Step 2: Let your shoulders drop, relax your neck. Then slowly go down one arm—bicep, forearm, hand, fingers. If a muscle won’t relax, tighten it, then let go.

Step 3: Do the same for your lower body. Tell each leg muscle to melt into the bed.

Step 4: Clear your mind for ten seconds. Focus on your breath or picture a calming scene. That’s it. You should be asleep.

While this technique was originally shared in a Medium post by Sharon Ackman, it’s recently resurfaced and gone viral again for a good reason: it works.

Quality sleep is critical for making good choices—like going plant-based or living more sustainably. The more rested you are, the more energy you have to push for a kinder, greener world.

Try this method tonight and wake up ready to protect animals, reduce waste, and fight for the planet—with a full 8 hours behind you.

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