When traveling on a plane, especially on longer flights, one of the best things to do is try to get some shut-eye. It can also be one of the most challenging — especially if you booked in economy. Fitness expert Justin Agustin went viral on TikTok explaining the military method, claiming that 96 percent of people who used the technique could fall asleep in precisely two minutes.
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This Military Pilot Hack Will Help You Fall Asleep on Any Plane
Soldiers often have to deal with uncomfortable sleeping conditions and noise, so the method was invented specifically for fighter pilots because lack of sleep can significantly affect your reflexes.
@justin_agustin Technique to falling asleep in 2 minutes! Insp. AsapSCIENCE on YT #sleep #fallasleep #insomnia #insomniac #learnontiktok #howto ♬ You – Petit Biscuit
The technique is pretty simple, and it’s suggested that, for best results, give yourself six weeks of practice to master it. The first step is body relaxation. Begin by relaxing the body in sections from head to toe. Start with your forehead, then eyes, cheeks, shoulders, arms, fingers, stomach, thighs, knees, legs, and feet. It helps to imagine a warm sensation going down your body and focus on your breathing. To relax your mind, there are two scenarios to choose from: Think of lying in a canoe on a calm lake with clear skies or lying in a black velvet hammock in a black room. If you get distracted, repeat the words “don’t think” for 10 seconds.
Don’t fret if this doesn’t work for you. There’s no shortage of techniques from sleep experts like sleep science coach John Breese, who has some tips for getting the best shut-eye. These include wearing comfortable clothing and bringing the essentials like noise-canceling headphones, an eye mask, a blanket, and a travel pillow. Avoid substances like caffeine and alcohol and choose water instead. And to avoid being woken up, try to pick a seat that’s away from the bathrooms and keep your seatbelt visible.
Hopefully, these tips will help you catch a good snooze so that you arrive at your destination well rested. 