{"id":34306,"date":"2025-01-07T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-01-07T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/?p=34306"},"modified":"2025-01-07T14:16:25","modified_gmt":"2025-01-07T14:16:25","slug":"what-is-sleepmaxxing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/what-is-sleepmaxxing\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Sleepmaxxing\u2014and Is It Good for Your Health?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Could mouth tape, supplement-infused mocktails, and nostril extenders be your ticket to a better night\u2019s sleep? A new TikTok trend<\/a> promises these and other products, practices, and routines can maximize the time you spend trying to get Z\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So-called \u201csleepmaxxing<\/a>\u201d is going viral on social media with creators posting videos of hacks they use to increase both the quantity and quality of sleep. Experts warn that while focusing on better sleep is great for health\u2014and there are certainly tried-and-true methods to improve sleep\u2014some of the products and actions touted in sleepmaxxing videos may come with health risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe idea behind \u2018sleepmaxxing\u2019 is good in theory because it encourages people to prioritize sleep, which is often neglected,\u201d says Shelby Harris<\/a>, PsyD, sleep medicine specialist and director of sleep health at Sleepopolis. \u201cBut the issue is that not all sleep hacks are based on solid science.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s a closer look at the sleepmaxxing trend and what a sleep expert thinks you should know about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"magnesium
Sleepmaxxing involves hacks like taking supplements to encourage better sleep.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What is sleepmaxxing?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sleepmaxxing is an umbrella term for any sort of hack aimed at maximizing sleep. Some of this advice<\/a> we’ve heard time and time again, like avoiding blue light before bed, limiting caffeine consumption during the day, sleeping in a dark, cool room, and having regular sleep and wake times. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Others are a bit more unconventional and call for taping your mouth shut<\/a>, popping melatonin and magnesium supplements<\/a>, and using nostril expanders to get a better snooze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sleepmaxxing can also include the use of gadgets like sleep tracking devices, white noise machines<\/a>, and light therapy lamps meant to induce more restful sleep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cThe idea behind \u2018sleepmaxxing\u2019 is good in theory because it encourages people to prioritize sleep, which is often neglected. But the issue is that not all sleep hacks are based on solid science.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

-Shelby Harris, PsyD, sleep medicine specialist and director of sleep health at Sleepopolis.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Is sleepmaxxing good for you?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Prioritizing sleep comes with many health benefits, including improved mood, reduced stress, and increased focus and concentration. Poor sleep is also tied to several health effects, like weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease, so getting proper rest can reduce your risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Harris notes certain behaviors associated with sleepmaxxing have been proven to help with sleep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe best ways to improve sleep are simple but effective: maintain a regular sleep schedule, limit screen time before bed, and create a calm, cool, and dark sleep environment,\u201d she says. \u201cThese practices help signal to your brain that it’s time to wind down and align with your body\u2019s natural circadian rhythm<\/a>. Relaxation techniques like meditation<\/a> can also help calm your mind and make it easier to fall asleep.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She notes that sleep trackers can be useful for a general idea of how well you\u2019re sleeping, but the data might not be precise, especially when it comes to sleep stages<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThink of them more as a way to track trends over time, rather than a diagnostic tool,\u201d Harris says. \u201cIf you\u2019re concerned about your sleep quality, it\u2019s always best to talk to your doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"sleepy
Drinking the “sleepy girl mocktail” is one way to try the sleepmaxxing trend. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What are the risks of sleepmaxxing?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Other facets of the sleepmaxxing trend may come with risks. For instance, claims from TikTokers that forcing yourself to breathe through your nose by taping your mouth shut at night will prevent snoring and lead to more restful sleep aren\u2019t scientifically proven and may even cause breathing issues in some people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMouth taping<\/a> is one of those things that sounds like a simple fix, but it comes with potential risks, especially if you have sleep apnea<\/a>,\u201d Harris notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nostril extenders (small devices placed inside the nostrils to hold them open) may help with nasal airflow, which could make breathing easier during sleep\u2014particularly if you\u2019re congested\u2014but they\u2019re not a long-term solution. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re frequently dealing with blocked airways, it’s worth checking in with your doctor to find out what’s causing it, rather than just relying on something like nostril extenders to mask the issue,\u201d Harris says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Earlier this year, social media was flooded with creators trying the sleepy girl mocktail<\/a>, a concoction consisting of tart cherry juice<\/a> and magnesium powder, both of which research has tied to sleep benefits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But some users complained of tummy issues after enjoying the beverage, likely from using magnesium glycinate rather than magnesium citrate. The former is known to have a laxative effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another supplement, melatonin<\/a>, can be a helpful tool for people who need to adjust their sleep cycle, such as when dealing with jet lag or working odd hours. But it\u2019s important to use it properly, Harris warns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not a cure-all, and overusing it or relying on it for long periods can actually disrupt your natural sleep cycle,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, the idea of \u201csleepmaxxing\u201d may lead to obsessing about sleep, which has its own risks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFocusing too much on getting \u2018perfect\u2019 sleep can actually lead to anxiety,\u201d Harris says. \u201cFor some, this can create a stressful cycle, making it harder to fall asleep in the first place.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her advice? “Prioritize healthy sleep habits, but don’t obsess over them,” says Harris. “If you start feeling anxious, take a step back. Sleep should be a priority but not a source of stress.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FAQs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What does sleepmaxxing mean?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sleepmaxxing is a social media trend encompassing several products, techniques, and habits aimed at improving sleep. Some of these sleep hacks include limiting screen time and caffeine, mouth taping, using nostril extenders, and taking supplements like magnesium and melatonin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do I really need eight hours of sleep?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/a> recommends adults get seven to nine hours of sleep per night for optimal health. The benefits of getting appropriate sleep include reduced stress, boosted mood, clearer thinking, and a reduced risk of health problems like heart disease and diabetes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I get a good night’s sleep and wake up refreshed? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Certain habits, such as adhering to the same sleep and wake times daily, limiting exposure to blue light, and keeping your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet, are linked to a good night\u2019s sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bottom line on sleepmaxxing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some aspects of sleepmaxxing like maintaining a regular sleep schedule and limiting screen time are smart ways to improve your sleep. But you might want to be cautious of other trends like mouth taping and nostril extenders, particularly if you have breathing problems like sleep apnea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re consistently having trouble sleeping, despite changes to your sleep habits and environment, talk to your doctor about potential solutions for better rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What makes you want to try all the viral sleep trends you keep seeing on social media? Learn the science behind why you keep trying wacky sleep trends<\/a>\u2014even when they don’t work. <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Could mouth tape, supplement-infused mocktails, and nostril extenders be your ticket to a better night\u2019s sleep? A new TikTok trend promises these and other products, practices, and routines can maximize the time you spend trying to get Z\u2019s. So-called \u201csleepmaxxing\u201d is going viral on social media with creators posting videos of hacks they use to increase both the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":74,"featured_media":34307,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[389,390],"tags":[],"coauthors":[462],"guest":[],"host":[],"class_list":["post-34306","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sleep-health","category-sleep-tips"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34306","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/74"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34306"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34306\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34320,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34306\/revisions\/34320"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/34307"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34306"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34306"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=34306"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=34306"},{"taxonomy":"guest","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/guest?post=34306"},{"taxonomy":"host","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/host?post=34306"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}