3 Methods To Fall Asleep In 10-60 Seconds

Spending more time trying to fall asleep rather than actually sleeping? You’re not alone.

Just the act of trying too hard can cause (or continue) a cycle of anxious, nerve-wracking energy that keeps our minds awake.


We cover some science-based tricks to help you fall asleep faster.

The military method

The United States Navy Pre-Flight School created a routine to help pilots fall asleep in 2 minutes or less. It took pilots about 6 weeks of practice, but it worked — even after drinking coffee!

1. Relax your entire face, including the muscles inside your mouth.
2. Drop your shoulders to release the tension and let your hands drop to the side of your body.
3. Exhale, relaxing your chest.
4. Relax your legs, thighs, and calves.
5. Clear your mind for 10 seconds by imagining a relaxing scene.
6. If this doesn’t work, try saying the words “don’t think” over and over for 10 seconds.
7. Within 10 seconds, you should fall asleep!

4-7-8 breathing method

Mixing together the powers of meditation and visualization, this breathing method becomes more effective with practice.

1. Let your lips part slightly and make a whooshing sound as you exhale through your mouth.
2. Then close your lips and inhale silently through your nose. Count to 4 in your head.
3. Then hold your breath for 7 seconds.
4. After, exhale (with a whoosh sound) for 8 seconds.
5. Avoid being too alert at the end of each cycle. Try to practice it mindlessly.
6. Complete this cycle for four full breaths. Let your body sleep if you feel relaxation coming on earlier than anticipated.

Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR)

Progressive muscle relaxation, also known as deep muscle relaxation, helps you unwind.

1. Raise your eyebrows as high as possible for 5 seconds. This will tighten your forehead muscles.
2. Relax your muscles immediately and feel the tension drop. Wait 10 seconds.
3. Smile widely to create tension in your cheeks. Hold for 5 seconds. Relax.
4. Pause 10 seconds.
5. Squint with your eyes shut. Hold 5 seconds. Relax.
6. Pause 10 seconds.
7. Tilt your head slightly back so you’re comfortably looking at the ceiling. Hold 5 seconds. Relax as your neck sinks back into the pillow.
8. Pause 10 seconds.
9. Keep moving down the rest of the body, from your triceps to chest, thighs to feet.
10. Let yourself fall asleep, even if you don’t finish tensing and relaxing the rest of your body.