Research shows that most of us aren’t getting enough quality sleep, which is why some of us seem to be obsessed with it. If you’re one of them and you spend any time on TikTok, you’ve probably come across “sleepmaxxing,” which is popular on the site. It’s a fun name that’s basically a catch-all term for a variety of hacks that are supposed to optimize sleep.
But what does “sleepmaxxing” include and more importantly, does it actually work? According to sleep specialist Sammy Margo, it’s a trend that’s popular with those “who are increasingly prioritizing sleep as a cornerstone of wellness.” She explains that it usually involves creating elaborate bedtime routines, investing in sleep accessories, and tracking sleep metrics. “Sleepmaxxing” can include:
- The “Sleepy Girl” mocktail - Thousands of TikTokers swear this viral drink, which combines magnesium powder and tart cherry juice mixed with sparkling water, prebiotic soda or lemonade, helps them sleep better. While magnesium has been linked to improved sleep, sleep expert Dr. Lindsay Browning says the evidence that it helps is “generally weak.”
- Mouth taping - It’s just what it sounds like, using tape to keep the mouth closed and force breathing through the nose while asleep. People swear by it to help prevent snoring and dry mouth, but Browning warns that it “can be risky” as it can cause skin irritation and anxiety, plus, it doesn’t fix the underlying issue.
- Kiwis before bed - One small study finds that eating kiwi fruit before bedtime can improve sleep, but more research needs to be done before it’s proven to be effective.
- Sleep music - It helps to create an ideal sleep environment and according to Freddie Moross, founder of Myndstream, a company specializing in music for health and wellbeing, it’s one of the fastest-growing music genres. He explains, "Sleep music can be a valuable tool in signaling to the body that it's time to rest - instrumental music with a slower tempo, typically 60-80 beats per minute, is often most effective."
While all these “sleepmaxxing” steps are popular, sleep expert Dr. Neil Stanley points out that the “unhealthy obsession” with sleep can be counter-productive. “The worry about getting good sleep actually makes sleep worse,” he says. Instead, he suggests we get back to basics. “You need just three things to help you sleep, a bedroom conducive to sleep, a relaxed body, and a quiet mind,” Stanley shares. “Unfortunately, there is no money in clicks or common sense.”
Source: Sky News