
You climb into bed really exhausted, close your eyes, and then nothing. Your brain suddenly decides it is the perfect time to replay every awkward moment from 2014. When in reality sleep should be the easiest thing in the world, but for so many people it is a nightly battle.
The why I’ve prepared this guide to inform exactly how to go to sleep really fast anytime you want.
Use The Breathing Method
This technique was popularized by Dr. Andrew Weil and is one of the fastest ways to calm your nervous system. Here is how it works:
- Inhale quietly through your nose for 4 seconds.
- Hold your breath for 7 seconds.
- Exhale completely through your mouth for 8 seconds.
- Repeat this cycle three to four times.
It feels a little strange at first, but most people feel noticeably drowsy after the second round.
2. Cool Down Your Room
Your body temperature naturally drops as you fall asleep. If your room is too warm, your body fights this process. Keeping your bedroom between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit is the sweet spot most sleep experts recommend. A cool room tells your brain it is time to rest.
3. Try the Military Sleep Method
This technique was reportedly developed to help soldiers fall asleep in under two minutes even in stressful environments. It involves:
- Relaxing every muscle in your face.
- Dropping your shoulders and letting your arms go heavy.
- Exhaling slowly to release tension from your chest.
- Relaxing your legs from thighs down to your toes.
- Clearing your mind for ten seconds by imagining a calm, peaceful scene.
With practice, this method is one of the most reliable ways to go to sleep really fast whenever you need to.
What to Avoid Before Bed
Sometimes falling asleep fast is less about what you do and more about what you stop doing. Here are the biggest sleep saboteurs to cut before bedtime:
- Scrolling on your phone — blue light signals your brain to stay alert.
- Drinking caffeine within six hours of sleep.
- Eating heavy meals right before lying down.
- Watching intense or stressful content that spikes your emotions.