The Sleep Crisis: Why We’re Counting Sheep
According to France’s national public health agency, back in 2019, the average French person was only getting 6 hours and 45 minutes of sleep per night. That’s less than seven hours—a threshold specialists consider concerning, especially since it’s the first time such a low average has been recorded since sleep patterns started being systematically tracked. Night shifts and, unsurprisingly, screens are getting much of the blame.
The Military Method to Fall Asleep Fast
Ever spent your evening scrolling or working on your laptop, only to find yourself wide awake at bedtime? You’re far from alone. But there might be hope yet! Here’s a technique, supposedly allowing you to drift off in two minutes flat, that was adopted by the U.S. military. The method was first laid out back in 1981 by American sports coach Lloyd « Bud » Winter in his book Relax and Win: Championship Performance in Whatever You Do.
The idea is to completely clear your mind for ten seconds. Here’s how:
- Imagine yourself lying in a canoe on a tranquil lake, with nothing but the clear blue sky above you.
- Alternatively, picture yourself resting in a black velvet hammock in a dark room.
- Or simply repeat to yourself “Don’t think of anything, don’t think of anything, don’t think of anything” for ten seconds.
Sounds simple enough, but don’t worry if you don’t immediately nod off—you’re not training for boot camp deployment in your own bedroom. There are more tips ahead.
Expert Advice: Setting the Mood for Sleep
If the military trick doesn’t do the job for you, there are other sleep-friendly habits to try. In a previous discussion with Dr. Prigent of the sleep center in Rennes (that’s Brittany, in northwest France), he reminded us of a few golden rules for easier slumber:
- Sleep in a cool, completely dark, and quiet room—no TV, no light shows, just peace.
- Stick to regular bedtimes and wake-up times, even on weekends (sorry, snoozers!).
“Absolutely cut out screens just before bed,” he emphasized. “They emit light, which acts as an external synchronizer—a sort of cerebral rhythm setter—that sends a wake-up signal through your retina.”
If Sleep Still Won’t Come…
What if you’ve followed all the advice but still can’t drift off?
“Whatever you do, don’t eat—food is also a synchronizer. You can have a glass of water if you need. If obsessive thoughts are keeping you up, writing them down is a good way to get rid of them. Then, go back to bed and relax as much as you can…”
In summary: dim the lights, power down your devices, and don’t reach for the snacks. Who knows, with a little military discipline—and maybe a touch of French savoir-faire—you might just find yourself falling asleep faster than you thought possible.
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
