Even the most seasoned of travellers struggle to get a good night’s sleep on a plane – but a simple hack could help you nod off in no time at all
Nodding off on aeroplanes can be a significant challenge. Whether it’s due to nerves or environmental factors such as an uncomfortable middle seat, turbulence, bothersome passengers, or loud noises, it’s incredibly difficult to unwind and fall asleep whilst airborne.
However, a straightforward sleep technique could entirely transform your experience, putting you into a deep slumber in less than five minutes. Sleep experts at Bed Sava suggest a tried-and-tested method used by military personnel to fall asleep swiftly, even in uncomfortable and noisy surroundings.
It’s known as the military sleep method, and with a few minor adjustments, experts believe it can work on your next long-haul flight.
How it works
This method can also be beneficial for those who find it hard to fall asleep on flights. “Most people on planes remain tense without realising it – shoulders hunched, jaw clenched, legs crossed.
This method concentrates on consciously releasing that tension. Once your body relaxes, the mind follows,” explained the professional, reports the Express.
The military method takes roughly two minutes to complete, with the final 10 seconds being when most individuals actually drift off. With regular practice, some manage to fall asleep in as little as 60 seconds.
How to do it
- Relax your face by letting your forehead, jaw, cheeks, and tongue go loose.
- Drop your shoulders and let them sink down as low as possible.
- Exhale and relax your chest whilst letting the air out slowly.
- Relax your legs, starting with your thighs, then let your calves and feet go limp.
- Clear your mind for 10 seconds, and if thoughts creep in, picture a calm setting.
- Repeat silently to yourself: “Don’t think… don’t think…” for around 10 seconds.
Additional sleep tips.
The sleep experts also recommend travellers avoid caffeine before their flight, even for early departures, to help their bodies relax more easily. They should also bring a neck pillow to support their head and reduce muscle strain during the flight.
An eye mask and earplugs can help block out cabin distractions, making it easier to rest, and travellers should choose loose, comfortable clothing to stay relaxed.
The optimal time to try this approach is just after takeoff or following the meal service, when the cabin is typically quieter.
But does it really do the trick?
The sleep technique gained widespread popularity online, especially on TikTok and Reddit. However, on Reddit, one person said it didn’t work for them, and asked, “I’ve tried it. It didn’t seem to work. Has anyone here tried it and had it work?”
One individual responded, “Maybe you just need more practice with it. I was in the military, and it always worked for me. But only if I wanted to sleep. My ADHD even makes me procrastinate in getting good sleep.”
Another person who gave the technique a go reported: “Yes it works wonders for me took about a month of doing it every night for me to train myself to do it, I fall asleep in around two minutes.
“Saying ‘don’t think’ in my head kinda created the opposite effect, so I made up my own phrase; otherwise, it’s great! Consistency is key.”