Sleepmaxxing: Does It Really Work?
Does 'sleepmaxxing' actually work? What experts say about TikTok wellness trend
The latest wellness trend taking over TikTok is "sleepmaxxing," which prioritizes sleep above all else. But does it actually work?
Sleepmaxxing involves cancelling plans, declining social invitations and altering your entire schedule to ensure you get the best sleep possible. The hashtag #sleepmaxxing has racked up millions of views on the social media app.
While the idea of prioritizing sleep might sound appealing, experts say it’s important to understand there is no magic number of sleep hours for everyone.
“The ideal sleep duration is whatever allows somebody to wake up feeling refreshed and function well throughout the day,” said Dr. Azadeh Yadollahi, a sleep physician at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto.
Yadollahi warned about the potential negative effects of oversleeping. She said excessive sleepiness and fatigue during the day can indicate an underlying condition, such as sleep apnea, and advised those experiencing these issues to see their family doctor.
“It's not normal to feel tired throughout the day despite having sufficient sleep,” Yadollahi added. “It's important to not only look at the amount of sleep, but also the quality of sleep.”
Experts emphasize the importance of focusing on a holistic approach to sleep health. “It is important to make sure the quality of sleep is good,” said registered psychologist and sleep specialist, Michelle Drerup, director of behavioral sleep medicine at the Cleveland Clinic.
According to experts, key components of good sleep hygiene include a regular sleep-wake schedule, avoiding caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime, disconnecting from screens, and engaging in physical activity.
If you're already practicing good sleep hygiene and still not sleeping well, Drerup recommends seeking help from a health-care professional. If sleepmaxxing means ignoring all other responsibilities, then it could do more harm than good, Drerup warned.
