The Truth About ‘Sleepmaxxing’: TikTok’s New Sleep Trend (And Why It’s Mostly Nonsense)

How I Ended Up With Tape on My Mouth

I first heard about “sleepmaxxing” on TikTok two months ago. It’s a trend where people try every possible hack to get “perfect sleep”—mouth taping, red light therapy, grounding sheets, copper pillows, even sleeping in a zero-gravity chair. The hashtag has 2 billion views. I was skeptical, but I’m also a chronic insomnia sufferer (I average 5 hours a night). So I decided to try the most popular hacks for one week, documenting my sleep with a smart ring.

The results surprised me. Some hacks worked. Others were dangerous. And the whole trend is driven by influencers selling products they don’t understand. Let me break it down.

Mouth Taping: The Most Dangerous Hack

Mouth taping involves putting medical tape over your lips to force nasal breathing. Proponents say it improves oxygen intake, reduces snoring, and boosts facial structure. I tried it for three nights. The first night, I woke up gasping for air—the tape had fallen off, but I still panicked. The second night, I used a smaller piece, but I felt claustrophobic. The third night, I had a panic attack at 2am and ripped it off.

Experts I spoke to (Dr. Mark Chen, a sleep specialist at UCLA) warned that mouth taping can be dangerous for people with sleep apnea or asthma. It can also cause skin irritation and anxiety. “There’s no evidence it improves sleep quality in healthy people,” he told me. “It’s a fad with real risks.” Save your money and breathe normally.

Weighted Blankets: Actually Great

I bought a 15-pound weighted blanket from Gravity Blankets ($199). The first night, I fell asleep in 20 minutes—a record for me. The deep pressure stimulation feels like a hug. My sleep score improved by 10% according to my Oura ring. The downside: it’s hard to move around, and if you get hot, you’ll sweat. I used it with a thin sheet underneath. This is the only hack I’m keeping.

Red Light Therapy: Overhyped

I used a red light device (a panel from Joovv, $300) for 10 minutes before bed. The theory is that red light increases melatonin production. I saw zero effect. My sleep was the same as normal. Dr. Chen said there’s preliminary evidence for red light in circadian rhythm disorders, but it’s not a magic solution. I’d pass.

Grounding Sheets: Snake Oil

Grounding sheets claim to connect you to the Earth’s electrical field, reducing inflammation and improving sleep. I bought a set from Earthing.com ($89). I slept with them for five nights. No change in sleep quality, no difference in my inflammation markers (I had a blood test before and after). The science is extremely weak—most studies are funded by the companies selling the products. Don’t waste your money.

What Actually Worked: The Basics

After a week of absurdity, I realized the best sleep hack is boring: keep your room dark (blackout curtains), cool (68°F), and quiet. No screens an hour before bed. Consistent bedtime. That’s it. I also started drinking chamomile tea with magnesium glycinate (a supplement recommended by my doctor). My sleep quality improved more from those simple changes than any TikTok trend.

The sleepmaxxing trend preys on desperate insomniacs like me. It’s a cash grab. Sure, weighted blankets are nice. But mouth taping? Red light? Grounding? Please don’t. If you’re struggling with sleep, see a doctor, not an influencer.

My week of sleepmaxxing taught me that the best sleep is unglamorous. No tape, no lights, no magic. Just a dark room and consistency. You don’t need to buy anything.