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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.

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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."

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