We all know that 40 winks is an important part of staying healthy, but it's sometimes easier said than done when it comes to catching your zzzs.
Even when falling asleep, staying asleep, and feeling rested can be a challenge.
There's nothing worse than lying there, wide awake, while staring at the ceiling.
Fear not, because the Navy SEAL Sleep Technique is branded as a miracle that can make it feel like you've had six hours of rest in just minutes.
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Even though we're warned that we shouldn't rely on the Navy SEAL technique as a replacement for an actual night's sleep, the fact that you can squeeze this one in under 10 minutes makes it a popular choice when you need to recharge before a night out.
Speaking to Tom's Guide, Po-Chang Hsu, MD, a medical content expert for Sleeping Ocean and graduate of the Tufts University School of Medicine, explained how the Navy Seal Sleep Technique can be effective for those who rely on naps to keep their energy levels up.
How does the Navy SEAL Sleep Technique work?
According to Tsu, the Navy SEAL Sleep Technique can be achieved relatively simply: "The Navy SEAL Sleep Technique involves laying the back on the floor at the edge of the bed and then putting the legs on the bed.
"This puts the sleeper in a position similar to the letter Z, but with the laps stretching a bit onto the bed. The legs are elevated at a 90-degree to 120-degree angle."
Still, you're warned that it should only be attempted as an eight to 10-minute nap because any longer can put pressure on your joints.
As for why Navy SEALs have coined this method, it's because they often won't have long to sleep or might require a quick recharge: "In a military sleep manual, special forces are advised to use breaks in combat for an afternoon nap."
Why does the Navy SEAL Sleep Technique put you to sleep?
Dr. Hsu, adds that the unique position of the method inhibits venous pressure, "which would have been an issue when lying down [flat, but isn’t] in this position.”
"Raising the legs above the heart makes pumping blood to the legs more difficult, lowering the blood pressure in the legs."
With blood flow being increased from your feet and legs to your brain, it's supposed to increase relaxation and make it easier for you to get to sleep.
He goes on to conclude: "By practicing this technique for an eight-minute sleep, many people have said they feel sufficiently rested and that it feels like 6 hours’ [worth of] sleep."
If you want to get a longer sleep, you might want to try the 4 7 8 breathing exercise. Dr. Andrew Weil’s method is "a natural tranquilizer for the nervous system," that's triggered by breathing in for four seconds, holding your breath for seven seconds, and exhaling for eight seconds to activate your parasympathetic nervous system.
For those wanting to try the Navy SEAL Sleep Technique, you're advised to set your alarm for 10 minutes, kick back, and enjoy some quick zs.