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Combat Sleep Deprivation Like a Soldier: Top Military-Inspired Techniques

BY SOFREP News Team / July 14, 2023

Service members are champions at fighting sleep deprivation. Normal folks can learn a thing or two from them, and here’s how.

Learn how to combat sleep deprivation like a soldier. / Wikimedia Commons

Ever wondered how people in the military deal with sleep deprivation? They’ve got super demanding schedules and high-stress environments, and they often have to make do with just a few hours of shut-eye. But here’s the thing – they’ve got some clever techniques.

Lack of sleep is not just about feeling groggy the next day. It can seriously affect your mood, productivity, and overall health. Now, if you’re thinking, “Great, another thing to worry about,” hold on a sec. We have some cool stuff to share that might help you battle those sleepless nights.

So, whether you’re battling insomnia, having an irregular sleep schedule, or just looking for better quality Zs, why not check out these military-inspired strategies?

From exercise routines that’ll help you sleep like a baby to sleep hygiene habits that’ll turn your bedroom into a sleep sanctuary, we’ve got some tips you can try.

Military-Inspired Techniques to Combat Sleep Deprivation

There are simple ways to combat sleep deprivation, most of them rooted in getting regular exercise and keeping a constant sleep schedule. But here are some other tactics that aren’t on your usual list.

Caffeine Napping

Sounds weird, right? How can you drink caffeine and then nap? Here’s the trick: caffeine takes about 20 minutes to kick in. So if you quickly down a cup of joe and immediately grab a quick 20-minute nap, you’ll wake up just as the caffeine hits your system.

This one-two punch can leave you feeling super refreshed. Just do this at a reasonable time, or you might need help falling asleep at night.

Light Exposure

This is all about messing with your body’s internal clock (in a good way). Exposure to natural light in the morning can help signal your body that it’s time to wake up and be alert.

Conversely, dimming lights as it gets closer to bedtime can help tell your body that it’s time to wind down and get ready for sleep. You can think of it as sunbathing and candlelight dinners for better sleep.

Two ways to continue to read this article.

White Noise

Ever notice how a little background noise can help you fall asleep? That’s where white noise comes in. It’s a consistent noise that can help drown out other sounds that might wake you up or keep you from falling asleep.

Soldiers often get used to sleeping in noisy environments, and some find that having a fan or a white noise machine can help mimic that noise and make it easier to fall asleep.

Battlefield Acupuncture

This might sound far out, but it’s a thing. It’s a form of acupuncture that a military doctor developed. It involves placing tiny needles in specific points in the ear.

Some people find it helpful for many things, including sleep problems. It could be worth a shot if you’re unafraid of needles and are open to trying something new.

Sleep Restriction

This method may sound counterintuitive, but it’s a tactic used in the military to help deal with sleep deprivation. The idea is to limit your time in bed to only the time you are sleeping.

So if you’re only sleeping five hours a night, you would restrict your time in bed to just over five hours. Over time, this can make your sleep more consolidated and efficient.

However, this method should be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider or a sleep specialist, as it can initially lead to increased sleepiness.

Mental Imagery

Soldiers often use mental imagery exercises to help manage stress and anxiety, which can also help combat sleep deprivation. It might involve picturing a relaxing scene, like a beach or a forest, and focusing on the sensory details of the scene.

Mental imagery can help divert attention away from stressful thoughts and create a sense of calm that can facilitate sleep.

Sleep Hygiene

It is not a single technique as it is a set of habits that can promote better sleep. These include maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, making your sleep environment comfortable and free of disruptions, and avoiding heavy meals and alcohol close to bedtime.

Good sleep hygiene can go a long way toward improving sleep quality and reducing sleep deprivation.

Conquer Sleep Deprivation Today

Let’s not forget, at the end of the day, sleep is a deeply personal thing. We’re different regarding our sleep needs and what works best for us. What knocks one person out might leave another staring at the ceiling.

And that’s perfectly okay. The key is to keep experimenting until you find the perfect combination that sends you off to dreamland.

And, of course, if you’re having serious trouble sleeping, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider. Sleep is crucial to our health and well-being, so it’s worth seeking professional help if you’re struggling.

So, there you have it. Armed with these military-tested strategies, you’re all set to declare war on sleep deprivation. Go forth and conquer those sweet, sweet dreams.

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