In modern times, sleep has transitioned from being a necessity to a luxury. Many people are so deeply immersed in pursuing their ambitions that they neglect proper rest. Despite this, sleeping for 7 to 8 hours is crucial for maintaining homeostasis. Insufficient or excessive sleep can disrupt the body's balance, leading to issues like insomnia, fatigue, and diminished cognitive function.
To address this problem, the internet has sparked a new trend called "sleepmaxxing." This movement is characterized by viral videos where influencers, experts, and sleep enthusiasts share valuable tips, tricks, tools, supplements, and technology to help improve sleep quality. Biohacking techniques that claim to increase deep sleep by up to 34% and viral recipes like the ‘Sleepy Girl’ mocktail, which promotes relaxation, are becoming highly popular.
Those who follow the trend call themselves "sleepmaxxers." They strongly believe that achieving a well-rested state is essential for maintaining good health and overall well-being. To reach this goal, they experiment with various tools and strategies to eliminate distractions and disturbances that could negatively affect their sleep. Commonly used methods include magnesium foot sprays, mouth tape to encourage nasal breathing, and chin straps to help prevent snoring.
Derek Antosiek, a dedicated sleepmaxxer, shared his personal experience with the trend. He discovered sleepmaxxing after joining a Reddit community focused on sleep enhancement. As part of his journey, Derek began using an Oura Ring, a wearable device designed to monitor sleep patterns. He also incorporated earplugs and nasal dilators to improve his breathing during sleep. Unfortunately, his experience wasn’t entirely successful. Despite his efforts, Derek reported that the Oura Ring made his sleep worse rather than better, highlighting that not every tool or technique works for everyone.
I found myself waking up and immediately looking at my score, like, 'Did I get good sleep?'.
Derek Antosiek
As sleepmaxxing gains momentum, companies are recognizing its potential as a lucrative market. Several businesses are developing products aimed at improving sleep quality. For example, an AI-powered headband that uses noise-canceling technology and brain wave modulation has been introduced. This innovative headband is designed to enhance sleep by inhibiting the part of the brain that keeps us alert. Other companies have developed advanced mattresses with unique features such as snore detection, gentle vibrations to wake the user without disturbing sleep, and adjustable temperature settings to create an optimal sleep environment.
Sleepmaxxing represents a growing movement where individuals are prioritizing sleep as a key element of their health routines. While tools like the Oura Ring or biohacking techniques may not be universally effective, the trend continues to evolve, pushing people to find what works best for their personal sleep optimisation.
While Sleepmaxxing offers useful strategies, it’s crucial not to become overly obsessed with optimizing sleep. Critics contend that it fosters unrealistic expectations and a pursuit of sleep perfection. Many experts point out that most sleep-enhancing products do not live up to their grand promises; the actual improvements in sleep quality tend to be minimal.
Some experts express concern that this trend could lead to a reliance on technology instead of promoting comprehensive approaches to improving sleep. By depending on devices and gadgets, people might neglect straightforward, evidence-based methods for better sleep, such as sticking to a regular sleep schedule, creating a calming sleep environment, and avoiding screens before bed.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)
