Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
World
Kate Lally

TikTok trend can 'make you fall asleep in 2 minutes' but does it actually work?

Many of us struggle to switch off at the end of the day, leading to a restless night and not being able to go to sleep for some time after getting into bed.

Now a TikTok hack has gone viral on social media, promising to get people to sleep in as little as two minutes. But does it actually work?

With a staggering 11 million views the trick is known as the 'Military Technique', as it was supposedly formulated by the United States Navy Pre-Flight School to help pilots fall asleep in two minutes or less.

READ MORE: McDonald's drive thru warning as customers could get £200 fines

It works by relaxing every part of your body, from your facial muscles all the way down to your toes. Once your body is relaxed you need to clear your mind by thinking of a relaxing scene, or if that doesn’t work, repeating ‘don’t think’ over for 10 seconds. Within 10 seconds you should be asleep - apparently.

Dave Gibson, from sleep wellness brand eve Sleep has taken a look at the method and given his honest opinion.

Speaking to the ECHO, he said: "This technique does to a certain extent makes sense, as by relieving any tension in your body, you allow both your mind and body to relax completely, which will certainly help with falling asleep. The technique advises using visualisation which tends to be a good way of focusing the mind away from the stresses of the day.

"However, if this isn’t working, the next piece of advice is to repeat the term ‘don’t think’, which won’t work for everyone. Why? Because switching off your mind and actively trying not to think can be difficult and isn’t something one can do with ease.

"The idea of repeating ‘don’t think’ also seems counterproductive, as by saying it, your mind will likely do the opposite due to the pressure of trying not to do it."

Dave added: "This technique would certainly take some practice and likely will not work the first time, but if you do manage to crack it, maybe don’t expect to be asleep in 10 seconds. This seems a little too optimistic to me!

"If you do want to give this hack a try my top tip would be to adapt the technique by breathing out longer than breathing in, as it helps slow down the heart rate and relax the nervous system."

Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here

READ NEXT:

Rare 50p coin sells for £225 with thousands more out there

Martin Lewis urges homeowners to take 'action now'

Strictly Come Dancing's 2022 rumoured line-up may make the biggest series ever

The Chase's biggest ever wins including Scouser who dominated the show

Love Island fans floored as Gemma Owen connection to Casa Amor contestant uncovered

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.