How do Soldiers Fall Asleep in War Zones?

This technique supposedly helps them fall asleep in two minutes

If you don’t want to spend large sums on medical examinations or expensive research projects, my studies show me that there are five major signals to a healthy (balanced) body, mind and society. Sleep is one of them (I explain the rest in my other blogs and upcoming book).

The Sleep Foundation estimates that about half of Americans suffer from sleep disorders. Recently, Justin Agustin a workout specialist published a short video clip that details the strategy he says is commonly used in the military. Apparently, 96 per cent of people who mastered this technique are actually able to fall asleep within two minutes of shutting their eyes.

The Progressive Relaxation technique was developed in the military to allow soldiers to fall asleep at any time, any place, even on the battlefield. He says:

“According to my research, this was developed mainly for fighter pilots who need 10 per cent of their reflexes and focus, which we all know decreases with the lack of sleep.”

The following is from Yahoo Sports:

To begin with, he says it’s all about simply taking some deep breaths and trying to consciously relax each part of your body one by one.

“Start by relaxing the muscles in your forehead,” he says.

“Relax your eyes, your cheeks, your jaw and focus on your breathing. Now go down to your neck and your shoulders.

“Make sure your shoulders are not tensed up. Drop them as low as you can and keep your arms loose by your side, including your hands and fingers.”

Agustin advises then imagining a warm sensation going from your head down to your fingertips, before then travelling from your heart to your toes.

“Now, take a deep breath and slowly exhale, relaxing your chest, your stomach, down to your thighs, knees, legs and feet,” he adds.

It’s important, too, to try and clear your mind of stresses, says Agustin, before offering two scenarios to think about.

“One - you’re lying in a canoe on a calm lake with nothing but a clear blue sky above you,” he says.

“Two - you’re lying in a black velvet hammock in a pitch black room.”

Then, if you feel like you’re getting distracted, he says you should repeat the words “Don’t think, don’t think, don’t think” for 10 seconds.

“You’re supposed to practice every night for six weeks,” Agustin concludes.