Falling asleep instantly, such as in 1 second, is not realistically achievable for most people, but there are proven techniques that can help you fall asleep very quickly—often within 10 to 120 seconds—with practice.

The Military Method (Fall Asleep in About 2 Minutes)

This technique was developed during World War II to help pilots fall asleep quickly under stressful conditions. It involves progressive muscle relaxation and mental calming steps:

1. Relax your entire face, including the muscles inside your mouth.
2. Drop your shoulders and let your hands fall naturally.
3. Exhale and relax your chest.
4. Relax your legs, thighs, and calves.
5. Clear your mind by imagining a relaxing scene for about 10 seconds.
6. If your mind wanders, repeat “don’t think” for 10 seconds.
7. With practice, you can fall asleep within about 2 minutes, and sometimes as fast as 10 seconds

Breathing Techniques (4-7-8 Method)

Another fast sleep aid is the 4-7-8 breathing method:

• Breathe in quietly through your nose for 4 seconds.
• Hold your breath for 7 seconds.
• Exhale slowly through your mouth for 8 seconds, making a whooshing sound.
• Repeat this cycle 4 times.

This technique helps relax your nervous system and can help you fall asleep in 40-60 seconds

Additional Tips to Fall Asleep Faster

• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
• Create a cool, dark, and quiet sleep environment.
• Avoid caffeine and screens at least an hour before bed.
• Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or guided imagery.
• Consider acupressure on specific points (Spirit gate, Inner frontier gate, Wind pool) to promote relaxation

While falling asleep in exactly 1 second is not typical, combining these methods and practicing them regularly can dramatically reduce the time it takes you to fall asleep, sometimes to just a few seconds after you begin relaxing.