If you’ve scrolled through social media recently and thought, “ok, why is everyone treating sleep like it’s the new skincare?” - congrats, you’ve just entered the world of sleepmaxxing.

This isn't just the usual “go to bed earlier” copy-and-paste mantra you hear from everyone when you say you’re feeling burned out. Sleepmaxxing is about turning your sleep into a project. Think magnesium mocktails, blackout blinds, no screens after 7pm, and bedtime routines more curated than your holiday itinerary. It's wellness meets biohacking, with a weighted blanket on top.

So, is this the magic solution to all your exhaustion meets existential crisis problems? Or just another wellness trend dressed up in lavender oil and low lighting? Let's find out.

Wait, What Is Sleepmaxxing?

In simple terms, sleepmaxxing means getting the absolute most out of your sleep. We’re not just talking quantity; your quality of sleep matters too. It’s about creating the ideal conditions for deep, restorative rest.

That could mean adjusting your environment (hello, blackout curtains), reworking your habits (goodbye, 10pm doomscrolling, or trying tools like red light bulbs, mouth taping, white noise, CBD, cold showers, or whatever else TikTok’s pushing this week.

And while a lot of it sounds intense (because, well, it is), the general vibe is this: better sleep = better everything. Mood, focus, energy, hormones, skin, digestion…all of it starts with sleep. And people are finally starting to catch on.

Sacrificing Sleep Just Isn’t Cool Anymore

For years, sleep was something we proudly sacrificed. The whole hustle culture told us rest was lazy, and productivity meant running on fumes and caffeine. But burnout has a way of humbling you. If you’re reading this, you probably already know that all too well.

Sleep has quickly climbed up the ranks in terms of the cool factor. Prioritizing it signals you’re someone who takes care of yourself. Gen Z especially isn’t afraid to cancel plans in the name of being horizontal by 9pm. And honestly? Good for them.

There’s also the fact that none of us feel great anymore. We’re tired, wired, anxious, over-stimulated,  and sleep is one of the few things that actually helps. So if setting up a wind-down routine and dimming the lights helps you feel human again? We think that’s a win.

The Problem With Trying Too Hard

Here’s where things get a bit messy. Have you ever gone to bed super early because you’ve a 4am flight, but ended up awake all night instead? Trying to perfect your sleep can sometimes make it worse. Tracking your sleep, monitoring your REM cycles, worrying about what you eat before bedtime… all of that can backfire.

There’s even a name for it now - orthosomnia - where people get so obsessed with sleeping “right” that they can’t actually relax enough to sleep at all.

So while sleepmaxxing can be helpful, it really shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. You want to make your body feel better, not micromanage it to death. 

What Actually Works (No Gadgets Required)

You don’t need an Oura ring, an air purifier, or a $60 silk eye mask to get better sleep. You just need a few solid habits and a bit of consistency. Here’s what actually helps:

1. Wake up at the same time every day

Yes, even on weekends. It trains your body to know when to feel tired and when to feel alert. Most people focus on their bedtime, but your wake-up time is what sets your circadian rhythm.

2. Move more during the day

A 2024 meta-analysis confirmed regular physical activity is linked to better sleep quality. Exercise builds up “sleep pressure”, i.e. your body’s natural urge to rest. When it comes to activities, pilates and yoga came out on top. But the most important thing is to get moving, so whether it’s doing the downward-facing dog or hitting the gym to lift some weights - do whatever it is that you’ll stick to.

3. Keep your bed for sleep only

There’s nothing quite like a comfy bed to plop down on after a tough day. We get it. But if you lie in bed for hours watching Netflix or doomscrolling, your brain stops associating your bed with sleep. If this sounds like you and you struggle to nod off after chilling in bed for the evening, get up and do something low-key (dim light, no screens), then try again.

4. Try Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)

Progressive muscle relaxation sounds fancy, but it’s basically the physical version of telling your body to chill out. You tense and then release different muscle groups in a slow, deliberate way, helping your body let go of the tension it’s been carrying all day (looking at you, clenched jaw and hunched shoulders).

Here’s how to do it:

1. Lie down in bed or sit somewhere comfortable. Close your eyes and take a few slow, deep breaths.
2. Start at your feet. Curl your toes tightly for 5–10 seconds. Notice the tension.
3. Release and focus on how your muscles feel as they relax.
4. Move up your body - calves, thighs, glutes, stomach, hands, arms, shoulders, neck, face - tensing each area for a few seconds, then letting go.
5. Keep your breathing slow and steady the whole time.
   

By the end, your body gets the message: “It’s safe to relax now.” It helps lower adrenaline and cortisol, making it way easier to fall asleep, especially if your mind tends to race at night.

5. Cut screens before bed

We all know we need less screen time at night time, but few of us have the discipline to put the phone away. The reality is that blue light disrupts melatonin production, and overstimulation from content doesn’t help either. Switch off 30–60 minutes before bed. Journal (if that’s your thing), stretch, read a book, or play an audiobook/podcast on Spotify.

6. Find your sleep disruptors

Sometimes it’s not about adding more to your sleep efforts, it’s about removing what’s messing things up. That could be having caffeine too late, wine before bed, your partner’s snoring, your phone lighting up (even if it’s on silent - it doesn’t count if you can see it!), or stress from your day. Try keeping a sleep diary for a few days to spot any patterns.

7. Add in a Natural Sleep Supplement (When Needed)

Sometimes, even with the best sleep habits in the world, your body still needs a bit of backup. That’s where a well-formulated sleep supplement can help take the edge off, especially if you’re lying awake at night due to stress, tension, or a busy mind that won’t shut up.

Fast Asleep is a supplement designed for people who struggle with restlessness and the classic 3am thought spiral. It blends calming, sleep-supporting ingredients from nature with science-backed benefits, such as Reishi Mushroom - a stress-relieving adaptogen that helps the body wind down.

It’s not a knockout pill, and that’s the point. It gently supports your nervous system so your body can do what it was built to do: rest.

Sleep Matters

Sleepmaxxing might be trending, but the message behind it is simple: your sleep deserves attention. It affects everything from your mood to energy, focus, hormones, and even how you handle stress.

You don’t need to overhaul your life or drop hundreds of $$$ on gadgets. Start with what’s realistic. Adjust your habits. Take baby steps in the right direction until it all starts to come together. And if your body still needs a nudge? That’s where something like Fast Asleep can help you to wind down.

You don’t need to get it perfect from the get-go, or at all. You just need to improve things a little. And once you’re sleeping better, everything will feel that much easier. So whether that’s consistent wake times, less screen time, or a little herbal backup, do what works for you.

And if that includes blackout blinds. a mind-numbingly boring audio book, and adding a natural supplement to the mix? Sounds like a solid plan to us.

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