Popularized by Justin Agustin, a well-being influencer with a huge following on TikTok, this technique isn’t new. It’s reportedly been used for decades by American soldiers to help them sleep in extreme conditions—noise, light, and maximum tension— situations that are not conducive to sleep, but are overcome thanks to this method.
The principle? Learn to consciously relax each part of your body to induce a state of almost instant calm. And according to the very positive feedback from Internet users, it works: “I suffer from severe insomnia, and this is the first time I’ve woken up feeling rested ,” confides one of them. “I taught it to my 9-year-old son, and he falls asleep in a few minutes ,” adds another.
How to apply the technique (without being a military man)?
No need for fatigues or barracks songs to try! Here are the key steps to follow:
- Relax your face : This is the first crucial step. Relax your forehead, your eyelids, your jaw. Imagine each muscle gently melting.
- Release the shoulders and arms : Gradually move down to the arms, releasing the shoulders, biceps, forearms… down to the fingertips.
- Breathe deeply : Inhale gently, then exhale, letting your chest lower. Your arms should remain heavy and completely relaxed.
- Relax your lower body : Next, move on to your legs. Start with your thighs, then your calves, ankles, and finally your feet.
- End with a visualization : To prevent the mind from taking over, think of a calming scene: a quiet beach , a lavender field in summer , or a soft, comfortable cloud . The idea is to clear away any stray thoughts.
A tip that really works?
According to Justin Agustin, this method allows nearly 96% of people to fall asleep in less than two minutes after six weeks of practice. Of course, like any technique, it requires a little practice, especially if you’re used to evenings punctuated by stress or screens. But according to the testimonials, the results are encouraging !
