An expert has explained the ‘military sleep method’ that will get you napping away on a plane within minutes. I mean, that’s not typically an easy feat.
From screaming kids and dinging sounds to uncomfortable seats and one too many airport pints, it can be tough to get the perfect set up for a sleep in the skies.
But the popular method is supposed to work for 96 percent of people trying to get some shut eye, so who’s to say it won’t be just as handy while travelling?
It’s pretty easy to try so don’t get started too quick or you might end up writing your day off and missing those evening plans.
The sleep method is said to help soldiers get to sleep in less than two minutes and experts reckon with a bit of tweaking, it’ll help you soldier onto snoozeland from a plane.
Some can fall asleep within a minute. (Getty Stock) But it’s the first step that might pose a bit of an issue; you need to get into a comfortable position. So a position that’s as comfortable as you can get in this case.
Then turn your thoughts to your breathing and begin to slowly relax your entire body to 'shut it down'. Start off with your scalp, and then work down towards your forehead and facial features.
Make sure your whole body is relaxed: arms are loose and to your sides and imagine a warmth spreading from your head to your fingertips. Then you move to your chest and take a deep breath to help it relax, and then continue to the stomach, thigh, legs and feet.
The warm sensation needs to be imagined going from your heart down to your toes.
And that’s not all, you also need to relax your mind, maybe try picturing a soothing scenario such as lying in a canoe on a clear, calm lake, or tucked away inside a hammock in a dark room.
Not all of us can nod straight off. (Getty Stock) If your mind does start to wander, repeat: “Don’t think, don’t think…” to yourself for ten seconds.
Some Reddit users have reported that it does in fact work on planes or public transport as sleep experts at Bed Sava told the Express just why it’s a handy method for travelling.
“Most people on planes stay tense without realising it - shoulders hunched, jaw clenched, legs crossed,” they said. “This method focuses on deliberately releasing that tension. Once your body relaxes, the mind follows.”
To help, try avoiding caffeine, bring along an eye mask and neck pillow and wear loose, comfortable clothes. Happy snoozing, lads!