What is sleepmaxxing? Discover the new viral trend and its impact on sleep deprivation

Attaining a restful night sleep has become increasingly challenging nowadays as life becomes busier and more individuals are struggling even to fall asleep and attain deep restful sleep. This can be due to several factors such as work stress, academic pressures, insomnia and even excessive screen times.
There has been a rise in the use of apps and wearable devices to monitor sleep patterns.While these tools can provide valuable insights, excessive reliance on technology can lead to anxiety about sleep performance, potentially making it harder to relax. Despite the fact that an individual needs a deep sleep, people still tend to neglect the importance of sleep and continue to have nightly disruptions leading to anxiety and depletion of the sleep quality. It is important for every individual to have a peaceful sleep for at least 6 hours a night but according to the recent reports, 61 percent of people in India have been sleeping for even less than six hours a night over the past years. This trend has been growing steadily and now it is alarming as sleep issues are persisting for many.
In response to the above sleep deprivation, a new trend known as ‘sleepmaxxing’ has gained traction on social media. Many influencers and experts have shared strategies to enhance sleep quality with tools and supplements like mouth tape, magnesium oil, and sleep trackers becoming increasingly popular. This aims to achieve and is often termed as ‘perfect sleep’.

Sleepmaxxing focuses on improving sleep by reducing disturbances and utilising aids such as jaw straps, melatonin supplements, and red light therapy. It can also imply prioritising sleepover daily activities, sometimes to an extreme. Influencers often promote these concepts online, frequently endorsing products aimed at enhancing sleep quality.
In India, the sleep aid market is projected to generate USD 28 million in revenue by 2024, with an annual growth rate of 9.55% anticipated over the next four years. In the US, where sleepmaxxing originated, the market is significantly larger, estimated at USD 32,024 million. This growing obsession with sleep is closely linked to the expanding sleep aid industry.

Insufficient sleep is linked to chronic health issues such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression. Despite increased awareness of sleep's significance, many still struggle to get adequate rest. Dr. Sneha Sharma, a psychiatrist and co-founder of Anvaya Healthcare, observes that individuals are finding it increasingly difficult to fall asleep or experience restful nights, particularly in today's fast-paced lifestyle. She points out that factors such as decreased physical activity and excessive screen time play a significant role in these challenges.

While sleepmaxxing aims to enhance rest, it can inadvertently lead to “orthosomnia,” a condition characterised by an obsession with achieving perfect sleep that causes anxiety, further diminishing sleep quality. Dr. Biradar explains that the pressure to achieve perfection can produce counterproductive results. He notes that when individuals become overly focused on sleep, it often leads to increased anxiety and stress, both of which are known to disrupt sleep.

A 2022 study published in Sleep Medicine Reviews indicates that Gen Z experiences more sleep disturbances compared to older generations. Millennials are increasingly prioritising sleep, while baby boomers often face age-related sleep issues like insomnia and sleep apnea.

Supplements like magnesium and methods such as mouth taping are gaining popularity, but further research is necessary. Dr. Ravi Shankerji, a sleep expert at Apollo Spectra Hospital in Bengaluru, mentions that while magnesium may be effective, lifestyle changes are also essential for optimal results. “It doesn’t work for everyone,” he cautions.
Mouth taping, which promotes nasal breathing, may reduce snoring and enhance oxygenation, but it is not suitable for everyone. Experts advise consulting a healthcare provider before trying these techniques, especially for individuals with conditions like sleep apnea. Sleepmaxxing has the potential to improve sleep quality, an excessive focus on achieving perfect sleep can lead to increased anxiety, exacerbating the issue.
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