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Sleepmaxxing: Is It Possible To Take Sleep Optimization Too Far?

Written by: Ed Salazar

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Time to read 6 min

We know how exhausting it feels to wake up groggy, run on fumes all day, and crash at night — only to repeat the cycle again. If you’ve ever wished you could just be better at sleeping, you’re not alone. Enter sleepmaxxing, the latest wellness trend that’s taking over TikTok and redefining what it means to get a good night’s rest.

Sleep is an essential component of health, and it’s important to get good quality rest. But while some sleep hacks can be useful, it’s possible to become a little too obsessed with optimizing your sleep.

Below, we’ll take a look at the sleepmaxxing trend, popular sleepmaxxing practices, and see whether it’s possible to take sleep optimization too far. 

What Is Sleepmaxxing?

Sleepmaxxing is the practice of optimizing every aspect of your sleep for maximum rest and recovery, using multiple tools, hacks, and habits to improve your rest.

Most of us try to improve our sleep through healthy habits and good sleep hygiene. But sleepmaxxing takes this a step further, turning quality sleep into a lifestyle.

Sleepmaxxing practices can include:

  • Sleep supplements

  • Optimizing your bedroom for rest

  • Sleep-enhancing tools

  • Relaxing bedtime rituals

While some sleepmaxxing TikToks seem reasonable — cozy bedrooms, a bath before bed, a white noise machine — others are pretty hardcore, showing elaborate and hyper-optimized bedtime routines, pricey gadgets, and enough supplements to knock out an insomnia-riddled horse. 

How People Are Sleepmaxxing

So, what does sleepmaxxing actually look like? It can be as simple as upgrading your bedroom environment or as hardcore as structuring your entire lifestyle around your circadian rhythm.

Here are some of the most popular sleepmaxxing practices:

1. Fine-Tuning Sleep Hygiene

Basic sleep hygiene is step one.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, good sleep hygiene includes:

  • Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day

  • Limiting screen time before bed to reduce blue light exposure

  • Keeping your bedroom dark, cool, and quiet

  • Engaging in relaxing activities before bed

These habits are a good foundation to build from.

2. Using Sleep-Enhancing Tools

Many sleepmaxxers go all-in on sleep tech and accessories, such as:

  • White noise machines to block out disruptive noise

  • Weighted blankets to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality

  • Mouth taping to encourage nasal breathing

  • Sleep tracking apps and wearables to monitor sleep length and quality

  • Sunlight lamps to wake you up gently by simulating the sunrise

While some of these products can be helpful, you really don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on gadgets to get a good night’s sleep.

Every person does not need every product. And some products promoted in sleepmaxxing TikToks — like pricy red light machines and grounding mats — are not actually scientifically proven to improve sleep.

Instead of feeling the pressure to grab every gadget you see online, focus on your individual needs. You might find that small, inexpensive tweaks go a long way in helping you rest. 

3. Optimizing the Circadian Rhythm

Your circadian rhythm is your body’s internal clock. It tells you when to sleep and when to wake up, and it also affects factors like hunger hormones.

Many sleepmaxxers obsess over making sure it runs perfectly.

This can involve:

  • Getting morning sunlight to regulate melatonin production

  • Avoiding caffeine and heavy meals too late in the day

  • Syncing meal times and workouts with your energy peaks and dips

  • Cold plunging in the morning to feel refreshed and energized

  • Dry brushing for lymphatic drainage

  • Eating melatonin-boosting foods

Some of these hacks can be super helpful, but as with sleep-enhancing gadgets, it’s possible to take them too far. 

4. Experimenting with Sleep Supplements

Sleep supplements can be a lifeline, especially for those who struggle with insomnia.


Melatonin is one of the most popular sleep supplements out there. It’s a hormone your body naturally produces to help induce sleepiness, but it can also be taken in supplement form.


Some sleepmaxxers use melatonin alone, while others replace it — or combine it — with other supplements.


Popular choices include :

  • Magnesium glycinate

  • L-theanine

  • Ashwagandha

  • Valerian

  • Passionflower

  • 5-HTP

  • Cannabidiol (CBD)

As always, it’s a good idea to check in with a doctor before trying a new sleep supplement — and don’t exceed the recommended dosage, no matter how bad your insomnia is!

Our Slumber Patch contains a blend of melatonin, valerian root, magnesium, and other natural ingredients to support sleep. It’s a pill-free sleep supplement that uses Overnight Continuous Release Technology to deliver the perfect amounts of each ingredient. 

Common sleepmaxxing hacks

Orthosomnia: Can Sleep Optimization Go Too Far?

Here at SnoreLessNow, we’re total sleep nerds (and proudly so). We love a good sleep hack. But can too much sleep optimization backfire?

The answer is yes — and there’s even a name for it: orthosomnia.

Orthosomnia is defined as a condition where people become so obsessed with their sleep data that it actually disrupts their rest. According to research, this sleep-related perfectionism can be particularly difficult to treat.

If you’ve ever stared at a less-than-perfect sleep score and felt stressed about it, you know the feeling. Ironically, this stress can lead to worse sleep, making the whole process counterproductive.

Instead of getting obsessed with sleep optimization and following the latest biohacking trends to a tee, listen to your body. Focus on the basics first: A consistent bedtime, a dark room, and saying “no” to that afternoon cappuccino can work wonders. 

The Takeaway: Sleepmaxx, But Keep It Balanced

At SnoreLessNow, we’re all about improving sleep — but not at the cost of enjoying life.

The sleepmaxxing trend has introduced a lot of useful sleeping hacks to the mainstream, but the key is balance. If your sleep tracking app is making you more anxious, or you’re skipping social events to protect your sleep score, it might be time to relax your approach.

The best sleep routine is one that works for you. So if you want to maxxout your sleep quality, go for it — but remember, the ultimate goal isn’t a perfect sleep score. It’s waking up feeling amazing.

Medical Disclaimer:

The content in this article is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a licensed healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical advice or concerns about snoring, sleep disorders, or related health issues.

Ed Salazar, SnoreLessNow Co-Founder and CEO

Ed Salazar, Sleep Consultant and CEO of SnoreLessNow

With over 20 years of experience in healthcare, Ed Salazar is a trusted sleep consultant and co-founder of SnoreLessNow. Let Ed Salazar guide you on a transformative journey to restful nights and rejuvenation. 

Dr. Andres Salazar, MD, CMD

Dr. Andres Salazar, MD, CMD

Medically reviewed by Dr. Andres Salazar, a board-certified Family Physician, Geriatrician, and Certified Medical Director, leading a dedicated team of sleep consultants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Sleepmaxxing and How Does It Improve Sleep?

Sleepmaxxing is the practice of optimizing every aspect of sleep using various tools, habits, and techniques to maximize rest and recovery. This trend, popular on TikTok, involves improving sleep hygiene, using sleep-enhancing gadgets, fine-tuning the circadian rhythm, and experimenting with supplements.


While sleepmaxxing can improve sleep quality, it’s essential to find a balanced approach that works for your lifestyle without becoming overly obsessive.

What Are the Most Popular Sleepmaxxing Techniques?

Some of the most common sleepmaxxing techniques include:

  • Optimizing sleep hygiene. For example, sticking to a consistent bedtime, limiting screen time, and creating a dark and quiet bedroom.

  • Using sleep-enhancing tools. These can include weighted blankets, white noise machines, mouth taping, sunrise lamps.

  • Aligning with the circadian rhythm . This can be done through morning sunlight exposure, avoiding late caffeine, and syncing meals with energy levels.

Trying sleep supplements. Examples include melatonin, magnesium glycinate, L-theanine, valerian root, and lavender.

What Is Orthosomnia?

Excessive sleep optimization can lead to orthosomnia, a condition where the obsession with sleep data and optimization causes anxiety and disrupts rest. People with orthosomnia may fixate on sleep scores, overanalyze their rest patterns, and experience stress-induced insomnia. To avoid this, focus on quality sleep habits rather than striving for a perfect sleep score.

Are Expensive Sleep Gadgets Necessary for Better Sleep?

No, you don’t need expensive gadgets to improve your sleep. While some sleepmaxxing tools like white noise machines, weighted blankets, and sunrise lamps can be helpful, many high-priced sleep products lack scientific backing.

Instead of investing in every trending gadget, prioritize simple, science-backed sleep hygiene habits — such as a cool, dark room and a consistent sleep schedule.

How Can I Improve My Sleep Without Becoming Obsessed?

To improve sleep without falling into orthosomnia, focus on balanced sleep habits rather than extreme optimization.


Try these practical steps:

  • Stick to a consistent bedtime

  • Avoid screens before bed to reduce blue light exposure

  • Keep your bedroom dark, cool, and quiet

  • Engage in relaxing pre-sleep rituals like reading or meditation

  • Use sleep tracking apps as a guideline, not a source of stress


By keeping a healthy and flexible approach, you can enjoy the benefits of better sleep without unnecessary anxiety.