Sleepmaxxing: How to Dream Big

Sleepmaxxing is a new word that may sound bizarre but has been buzzing around TikTok and other social media platforms. Any influencer’s routine you’ve watched, whether it’s a day in the life or a morning routine, probably includes sleepmaxxing.

The word refers to tips and tricks to not only get longer and better sleep but also more restorative rest. But what really is sleepmaxxing, and how is it delivering the goal of better sleep and, as a result, improved mood, more energy and reduced stress levels?

Breaking down the sleepmaxxing buzz

Quick disclaimer: most of the sleepmaxxing people are doing isn’t happening while they’re asleep. Most of it involves tips and tricks you can try beforehand to maximize a good night’s sleep. Some of these include using mouth tape to keep your mouth shut while you sleep, setting your room to a cooler temperature, getting blackout curtains or a good eye mask, reading before bed and avoiding electronics.

Sleepmaxxing or just sleep?

Yes, sleepmaxxing is getting a lot of attention, but many people aren’t falling for this new sleeping fad. Older generations have picked up on some of these hacks and aren’t letting Gen Z claim them without a fight. People argue that routines like having a cooler room, using a sleep mask or avoiding electronics before bed have been around for hundreds of years. Essentially, sleepmaxxing is just regular sleep for most. Some of the hacks are even standard recommendations from sleep experts.

Dreaming big…literally

Some of these routines, though not all scientifically studied, have been found to help people get a better night’s sleep. But what about the newer, more obscure hacks? How are you supposed to know if they really work? Take melatonin, for example. It’s scientifically proven to help with jet lag but not with consistent, long-term sleep. Some of these hacks may be helping because of a placebo effect, and that’s OK. If there’s no long-term harm and you think it’s helping, do it.

Do you need better sleep?

Before making drastic changes to your pre-sleep or sleep routine, make sure there’s something you actually need to fix. Try tracking your sleep. Whether that’s a paper diary, an Apple Watch, an Oura Ring or a Hatch alarm, it’s important to know what your body needs first, if it needs anything at all.

What do you do to ensure you sleep better? Let us know on Instagram @VALLEYmag!

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