The Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM) has issued a strong warning against attempting the so-called “six-second sleep” therapy, highlighting that the practice poses serious health risks and could even be fatal.
In a statement responding to MyCheck Malaysia, KKM clarified that the therapy does not involve real sleep. Instead, it applies physical pressure to the neck, causing temporary unconsciousness due to oxygen deprivation to the brain.
“Such procedures can lead to significant medical complications, including sudden fainting, stroke, carotid artery injury, heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmia), cerebral hypoxia, permanent brain damage, seizures, and even death. There is no scientific or medical evidence supporting the effectiveness of this technique,” KKM said.
The viral therapy, promoted by self-styled “healers,” claims to reset the brain, relieve stress, and remove negative energy from the body. Videos circulating online show participants appearing to be “put to sleep” after the practitioner applies pressure to the neck, shoulders, or nape, only to awaken moments later seemingly refreshed but disoriented.
KKM explained that medically, the phenomenon is classified as induced convulsive syncope—a fainting episode accompanied by seizure-like movements caused by sudden oxygen deprivation to the brain.
The ministry emphasised that the therapy is not recognised by any medical or health authority, including KKM, and does not fall under any legitimate practice recognised under the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Act 2016 (Act 775) or modern medical practice.
“From a clinical and evidence-based perspective, this is not a therapeutic intervention or recognised health treatment. It is a high-risk physical practice that can cause serious harm. As it is unregulated under Act 775, no official guidelines exist,” KKM stated.
KKM also expressed concern over the widespread promotion of the therapy on social media, warning that easy accessibility may lead the public to attempt it without understanding the risks. The practice violates basic medical principles, including non-maleficence and informed consent, as participants are misled into believing fainting is equivalent to sleep.
Public Health Malaysia (PHM) explained that the temporary sensation of refreshment or lightness reported by participants is due to the body’s emergency response to oxygen deprivation. The release of adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine, and endorphins can create a fleeting feeling of relief or euphoria, similar to the sensation experienced after a near-drowning incident—but the risk to health remains high.
“Despite claims, the so-called ‘six-second sleep’ involves pressing the shoulders, neck, or nape to cause brief fainting. This is not a safe or medically recognised technique. Continuous blood and oxygen supply to the brain is critical; the procedure carries unpredictable and potentially deadly risks,” PHM added.
The health body further warned that sudden cardiac arrest could occur, especially in individuals with undiagnosed heart or vascular conditions. KKM urges the public to seek treatment only from registered medical professionals or recognised traditional and complementary medicine practitioners.
