If you’ve spent any time scrolling TikTok lately, you’ve probably come across the term sleepmaxxing. It’s the latest wellness trend sweeping social media, with people dedicating themselves to optimising their sleep in the same way they might approach fitness, skincare, or nutrition. But is this just another fleeting internet craze, or could sleepmaxxing genuinely revolutionise the way we rest and recover?
Let’s dive into what sleepmaxxing is all about, why it’s gaining traction, and how runners, in particular, could benefit from prioritising high-quality sleep.
What is Sleepmaxxing?
Sleepmaxxing is essentially the practice of taking sleep seriously – very seriously. The term has been popularised on TikTok, where users are sharing their extreme dedication to getting the best possible sleep. Unlike older wellness trends that glorified hustle culture and surviving on minimal rest, sleepmaxxing is all about going all in on sleep quality.
People engaging in sleepmaxxing aren’t just aiming for their eight hours and calling it a night. They’re fine-tuning every aspect of their sleep environment and routine to maximise restfulness. Think blackout blinds, temperature-controlled rooms, high-end mattresses, blue light blockers, sleep supplements, mouth-taping and even pre-bedtime rituals designed to trigger the perfect night’s sleep. The goal? To wake up feeling fully restored, energised, and ready to take on the day.
Why is Sleepmaxxing trending?
Over the years, attitudes toward sleep have shifted dramatically. Gone are the days when pulling all-nighters and running on caffeine were seen as badges of honour. Studies have repeatedly shown that poor sleep negatively impacts cognitive function, mood, immune health, and even weight management. As more people become aware of the benefits of proper rest, prioritising sleep has moved from being a necessity to a full-on lifestyle movement.
Social media has played a huge role in spreading the sleepmaxxing trend. Influencers and content creators are sharing their detailed nighttime routines, their must-have sleep gadgets, and even their ‘sleep scores’ from wearable fitness trackers. (Yes, I’m guilty of checking mine on my Garmin!) With sleep science becoming a hot topic, people are realising that they can hack their sleep to improve their overall well-being – and they’re jumping on the trend.
Key Sleepmaxxing strategies
If you want to give sleepmaxxing a try, here are some of the most popular strategies being shared across TikTok and social media:
1. Creating the ultimate sleep environment
- Investing in a high-quality mattress and pillows suited to your sleeping position
- Using blackout curtains or an eye mask to eliminate light pollution
- Keeping the bedroom cool (experts recommend around 16-18°C)
- Reducing noise with earplugs or white noise
There are some great pink noise (the perfect frequency for sleep) playlists on Spotify)
2. Cutting out sleep disruptors
- Limiting screen time before bed to reduce blue light exposure
- Avoiding caffeine and alcohol in the evening
- Sticking to a consistent bedtime routine
3. Using sleep tech and supplements
- Wearing sleep trackers to monitor sleep cycles and optimise rest
- Taking magnesium or melatonin supplements (under medical guidance)
- Trying weighted blankets for deeper relaxation
4. Embracing pre-sleep rituals
- Practicing meditation, deep breathing, or gentle stretching
- Drinking herbal teas like chamomile or valerian root
- Journaling or reading to wind down before bed
Is Sleepmaxxing just another wellness fad?
Like any internet trend, sleepmaxxing has its skeptics. Some argue that turning sleep into an obsession could lead to sleep anxiety – where people stress so much about getting ‘perfect sleep’ that it actually prevents them from sleeping well. Others point out that expensive gadgets and luxury bedding aren’t accessible to everyone, making the trend feel a little elitist.
However, it’s important to remember that sleepmaxxing doesn’t have to be about spending money. Simple, free habits like sticking to a consistent bedtime, limiting caffeine, and reducing screen time can make a huge difference without any added cost. At its core, sleepmaxxing promotes a scientifically backed principle: good sleep is essential for good health.
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Why Sleepmaxxing is a game-changer for runners
For runners, high-quality sleep isn’t just a luxury – it’s a performance booster. Sleep is when the body repairs and strengthens muscles, consolidates memory (hello, race strategies!), and balances hormones like cortisol and growth hormone. Here’s why runners should consider embracing sleepmaxxing:
- Better Recovery Long runs and tough workouts cause muscle micro tears that need repair. Sleep triggers the release of human growth hormone (HGH), essential for muscle recovery and adaptation.
- Improved Performance Studies have shown that athletes who prioritise sleep experience better reaction times, endurance, and overall energy levels – key factors for smashing PBs.
- Stronger Immune System Marathon training puts stress on the body, making runners more susceptible to illness. Deep sleep helps regulate immune function, reducing the chances of colds and injuries sidelining training.
- Mood and Motivation Boost Ever had a terrible night’s sleep and felt sluggish and unmotivated the next day? Prioritising sleep helps regulate mood and motivation, making it easier to lace up and get out the door.
- Reduced Risk of Injury Poor sleep is linked to slower reaction times, decreased coordination, and a higher risk of injury. If you want to stay injury-free, prioritising rest is just as crucial as stretching and strength training.
- Sharper Mental Focus Running isn’t just about physical endurance—it requires mental strength, too. Prioritising high-quality rest through sleepmaxxing helps improve focus, concentration, and race-day confidence, ensuring you’re as sharp mentally as you are physically.
Sleepmaxxing: The verdict
I thought it was just me that was a fan of a 9pm bedtime, but it appears, for once, I’m bang on trend. While some social media trends come and go, sleepmaxxing taps into something timeless – our biological need for quality rest. Making small improvements to your sleep could have a huge impact on your performance, recovery, and overall well-being.
It is time to treat sleeping like a professional sport. So, swap out late-night scrolling for an early bedtime and a magnesium supplement. If better sleep means faster miles and fewer injuries, it’s definitely worth considering!
