Discover what the TikTok sleepmaxxing trend is all about and how mums can use it to get better, more restorative sleep.
If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok recently, you may have come across a growing trend that’s gaining attention for its promise to improve sleep quality: Sleepmaxxing.
But what exactly is this TikTok trend and can it actually help busy mums?
What is sleepmaxxing?
Sleepmaxxing is all about optimising your sleep to get the most restorative rest possible. It’s not about the perfect sleep or about sleeping for 10 hours every night (let’s be honest, some nights, mums are lucky to get five hours), but it’s about improving your sleep quality and sleep patterns. The trend has taken off on TikTok, with users sharing tips on maximising deep sleep and incorporating sleep optimisation techniques into their busy lives.
Getting a good night’s sleep can sometimes feel impossible as a mum. You’ve got to wake up for feeds, or one of the kids has a nightmare, or you’re wired and overtired and your mind just can’t switch off. This is where sleepmaxxing comes in.
The sleepmaxxing trend isn’t just for Gen Z or early risers—it’s for everyone, especially mums who need more energy to keep up with their hectic days. TikTok users from all walks of life, including sleep experts and everyday people, have shared ways to improve sleep hygiene, manage sleep disorders and track sleep patterns for better sleep health. The idea is to enhance sleep routines and tackle sleep issues head-on with simple, practical steps that anyone can try, no matter how busy their schedule.
Why mums should care about sleepmaxxing
We all know that feeling of waking up after a horrible night’s sleep and feeling the frustration of needing a never-ending supply of energy. At the same time, it seems we didn’t gain any overnight. Needless to say, sleep is vital for our overall health, energy levels and ability to keep up with the demands of daily life.
Studies have shown that getting quality sleep affects everything from our immune system to our mental health, mood and productivity. Sleep deprivation, which many mums experience, can lead to cognitive issues, mood swings and even physical health problems over time. By focusing on optimising sleep, sleepmaxxing provides promising solutions for tired mums who want to feel better and more energised without completely overhauling their lives.
Practical tips for sleepmaxxing as a mum
So how can you start sleepmaxxing? Here are some everyday, practical ways to improve your sleep quality and get the most out of the time you do have for rest:
1. Set a consistent sleep schedule
One of the key tenets of sleepmaxxing is establishing a consistent sleep routine. This doesn’t mean you have to go to bed at the same exact time every night, but having a general schedule helps your body know when to wind down. Even if you’re a mum with a newborn or young children, aim for a regular bedtime that works for you. Creating a bedtime routine—whether that’s a hot bath, reading or some light stretching—can signal to your body that it’s time to relax and prepare for sleep.
Mums often struggle to stick to a sleep schedule because of the unpredictability of children’s sleep patterns, but small changes can make a big difference. For instance, if your kids are going to bed around 8pm, use that time to focus on winding down yourself, even if that means getting an earlier night a few times a week and skipping the dishes (they’ll still be there in the morning).
2. Improve your sleep environment
Your sleep environment plays a huge role in the quality of your sleep. If your bedroom is cluttered, bright or noisy, it can interfere with your ability to fall into a deep, restful sleep. Sleepmaxxing emphasises creating an environment that promotes relaxation and rest.
Here’s what you can do to enhance your sleep environment:
- Use blackout curtains to block out any light.
- Invest in a good mattress and pillows to ensure comfort. If you’ve been waking up with neck or back pain, it might be time to upgrade your bedding.
- Consider using a white noise machine to block out disruptive noises, especially if you live in a noisy area. You can also try a sleep app that reads you stories, helping to shut down an overactive mind.
- Keep your room cool for a deeper sleep. Aim for a temperature around 18-20°C for optimal rest.
- Try a weighted blanket for extra comfort and cosiness.
Making these small adjustments can help improve your overall sleep health. You may find yourself falling asleep faster and waking up feeling more refreshed.
3. Limit screen time before bed
We live in a world that is constantly connected and the blue light from phones, laptops and TVs can disrupt our sleep cycle. Sleepmaxxing encourages reducing screen time at least an hour before bed. This might sound impossible, but if you can make it a habit to avoid your phone or computer during the last part of your evening, you’ll be able to transition to sleep more smoothly.
Instead of scrolling through social media or watching another episode on Netflix, try winding down with a calming activity, like a warm shower or a little bit of light reading. While they might sound insignificant, they help signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. Blue light glasses or using night mode settings on your devices can also help improve your sleep.
4. Mouth taping for better sleep
This might sound strange, but mouth-taping has become a popular tool for improving sleep quality. Mouth-taping involves placing a small piece of sleep tape across your lips to encourage breathing through your nose during the night. It promotes better sleep by improving airflow, reducing snoring and increasing oxygen levels in the body.
Mums who have struggled with dry mouth, snoring or disrupted sleep due to mouth breathing may want to try this technique. However, before attempting to use mouth tape, it’s always a good idea to consult your GP or a sleep specialist to ensure it’s right for you, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions like sleep apnoea.
5. Take advantage of sleep trackers
If you’re serious about sleepmaxxing, consider investing in a sleep tracker or using a device to monitor your sleep. These devices track important metrics such as sleep score, heart rate and how much deep sleep you’re getting, which can help you understand your sleep patterns and make adjustments where needed.
Many mums find that using a sleep tracker is an eye-opener when it comes to understanding their sleep habits. You might be surprised at how much time you spend tossing and turning or how often you wake up during the night. Armed with this information, you can take steps to improve your sleep environment and habits for a better night’s rest.
6. Relaxation and magnesium supplements
Magnesium, for many mums, can be a powerful tool for good sleep and it helps for more than just that. While it’s known for its relaxing properties, it also helps reduce muscle pain or cramping, calm the nervous system, and improve digestion, metabolism and energy. A magnesium supplement before bed promotes restful sleep, which means an easier morning the next day. You can try magnesium supplements in the form of pills, powders or even magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts and seeds.
Additionally, a relaxing evening ritual can work wonders for improving sleep. Mums often find that taking a few minutes to practise deep breathing helps ease anxiety and stress, making it easier to transition into sleep.
7. Get help with sleep disorders
For mums who suffer from more serious sleep issues, such as sleep apnoea or chronic insomnia, the sleepmaxxing trend encourages seeking professional help. If you suspect that you have a sleep disorder, it’s important to consult with a sleep specialist who can help diagnose the issue and provide tailored treatment. Various options are available, from therapy to medical devices like CPAP machines, which can significantly affect your sleep quality.
Time to get some zzzzz
Sleepmaxxing is more than just a TikTok trend; it’s a movement towards optimising our sleep to improve overall health, productivity and wellbeing. For mums, it’s about making small, realistic adjustments to improve the overall quality of the sleep we do get.
The key to sleepmaxxing is progress, not perfection. You don’t have to sleep for hours or follow every trend—just make small, achievable changes that work for you. Sweet dreams, mums.
Read next: Biohacking: What it is and how you can benefit from it
How helpful was this article?
Click on a star to rate it!
0 / 5. 0
Be the first to rate this post!
The TikTok sleepmaxxing trend: A mum's guide to better sleep
Adriana Wales
Related posts
Subscribe
Receive personalised articles from experts and wellness inspiration weekly!