Sleepmaxxing: The new trend for better sleep under scrutiny
In a world that is becoming increasingly hectic, many people long for an effective way to sleep restfully. The latest trend, gaining popularity especially on TikTok, is called "Sleepmaxxing" and promises exactly that: maximum sleep for maximum health and quality of life. But what exactly is behind this hype, and does it really deliver the promised rest?
What is Sleepmaxxing?
"Sleepmaxxing" combines "sleep" and "maxxing" (from "maximizing") and describes the idea of making sleep a top priority. Followers of the trend see sleep not just as a physical need but as the foundation for a healthy, fulfilling life. The goal? To improve the duration and quality of sleep as much as possible—through special routines, sleep hacks, and an optimized sleep environment. But how practical is this approach, and what does science say about it?
The ideal pillows for your Sleep-Maxxing
Tips and routines for better sleep: What’s behind the recommendations?
Under the hashtag #Sleepmaxxing, various sleep tips and rituals can be found on TikTok that are supposed to help achieve deeper and more restful sleep. These range from DIY sleep drinks to elaborate evening routines:
- “Sleepy Girl Mocktail”: A drink meant to calm the body and promote falling asleep. Basically made from sour cherry juice, sugar-free lemonade & magnesium.
- Mouth taping: Taping the mouth to promote nasal breathing and improve oxygen levels in the blood during sleep. Professional athletes also swear by mouth taping. Even our Head of eCommerce Markus Ott has been taping his mouth every night for a year now and sleeps better than ever.
- Blue light filter glasses and red light lamps: Some TikTok users swear by wearing blue light glasses during the day and using a red light lamp before bed to stimulate the production of the sleep hormone melatonin.
- Avoiding smartphones: Many Sleepmaxxing fans recommend not looking at screens for an hour after waking up and before going to bed to avoid stimulating the brain with artificial light.
- Diet and exercise tips: Eating two kiwis before bed, daily walks in sunlight, and avoiding caffeine in the afternoon are among the other recommendations.
These tips may seem sensible at first glance, but what do experts say about this trend?
The science behind Sleepmaxxing: What really works?
Experts agree that a regular sleep schedule and a calm sleep environment are fundamental for sleep quality. The German Society for Sleep Research and Sleep Medicine (DGSM) recommends:
- Consistent evening routine: A regular daily schedule helps the body stabilize its internal clock. This includes a relaxed morning ritual and an evening "wind-down phase."
- Limit caffeine and alcohol: Caffeine should be avoided from the afternoon onward, and alcohol consumed only in small amounts, as both can disrupt the sleep cycle.
- Regulate light and darkness: Natural light during the day and dim, warm light in the evening help the body produce melatonin, which promotes readiness for sleep.
- Establish bedtime rituals: A regular bedtime ritual, such as reading or relaxation exercises, can help you calm down faster.
The effectiveness of individual TikTok tricks like mouth taping is viewed critically. While taping the mouth can promote nasal breathing, such methods should only be tried under medical supervision.
Conclusion: Sleepmaxxing as a lifestyle – a sensible approach or just a hype?
There is no doubt that sufficient sleep is essential for health. A good night's rest strengthens the immune system, promotes well-being, and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases and other health problems. However, not every trick circulating under the hashtag "Sleepmaxxing" is scientifically sound or sensible. Experts therefore recommend maintaining simple, proven routines:
- Ensure a quiet and dark sleeping environment.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol in the evening.
- Establish relaxing bedtime rituals and avoid screens before going to bed.
Making sleep a priority is a valuable idea, and "Sleepmaxxing" can inspire many to take the importance of sleep seriously. However, it is important to always weigh which tips are sensible and feasible with new sleep trends like this, and which are more about the current social media hype.
