By: Charis Torrance
Sleepmaxxing, a TikTok-fuelled phenomenon with nearly 100 million posts, is all about optimising rest with personalised hacks, tools, and environments. From magnesium supplements and blackout curtains to kiwi nightcaps and mouth taping, the trend spans the bizarre to the science-backed.
According to Rudo Kemp, founder and CEO of Sloom, sleepmaxxing reframes sleep as a science. “It’s not just about eight hours — it’s about tailoring routines, products, and environments to unlock deep, restorative cycles.”
Why It Works
Sleepmaxxing thrives on personalisation. With sleep trackers, ergonomic bedding, and controlled environments, individuals adapt habits to their biology. Environmental hacks like cooler bedrooms, blackout curtains, and supportive mattresses offer accessible entry points into higher-quality rest.
By aligning sleep patterns with natural rhythms, followers aim for better recovery, sharper focus, and improved health.
The TikTok Effect
TikTok has amplified the movement, turning unusual hacks into cultural talking points. While some, such as magnesium supplementation or cool rooms, are scientifically grounded, others lean moreexperimental.
Kemp notes: “Sleepmaxxing helps people prioritise rest as central to wellbeing. It’s mindfulness in action, made relatable for a digital generation.”
Risks of Sleep Perfectionism
The pursuit of perfect sleep isn’t without pitfalls. Kemp warns of “sleep perfectionism”, where obsession with metrics leads to stress and anxiety. High-tech gadgets can also be expensive, creating barriers for many.
Over-reliance on trackers may even disrupt natural rhythms, turning intuitive rest into pressured performance.
How to Start Sleepmaxxing
For beginners, Kemp recommends:
- Evaluate basics: screen time, bedtime routine, and sleep environment.
- Invest in essentials: a supportive mattress, blackout curtains, or breathable bedding.
- Use trackers mindfully: as guides, not absolutes.
- Experiment lightly: smart lighting, magnesium-rich diets, or yes — even kiwis.
Advanced options include temperature-controlled bedding and smart lighting, while natural complements like mindfulness, muscle relaxation, and CBT-I balance out the tech.
The Future of Sleep Wellness
With sleep increasingly recognised as a pillar of preventative health, Kemp believes sleepmaxxing will only expand. “AI and biometrics could take personalisation to the next level, bridging wellness and healthcare. Sleep will become the new frontier of daily performance and long-term health.”
