Did you remember to put on your red-light glasses, eat two kiwi fruits, take your supplements, insert nostril expanders, and blackout your room before bed? The classic nighttime ritual of brushing your teeth and putting on pajamas has evolved. Today, many people are turning to an elaborate trend called sleepmaxxing—a growing movement of combining supplements, tools, and hacks to optimize both the quality and duration of sleep.Popularized across social media, especially TikTok, sleepmaxxing involves layering different sleep aids and behaviors—from high-tech apps and red light therapy to weighted blankets and bedtime snacks—all in pursuit of better rest.Some Habits Actually HelpNot all parts of sleepmaxxing are gimmicky. Some of its foundational principles are based on tried-and-true sleep hygiene. Keeping your bedroom cool, quiet, and dark is a scientifically supported way to prepare the body for sleep. Avoiding caffeine or alcohol several hours before bedtime can also reduce sleep disturbances. Regular sleep and wake times help regulate the body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall and stay asleep.Limiting screen time and exposure to blue light in the evening helps prevent disruptions in melatonin production. And yes, keeping your room between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit (15.6 to 19.4°C) actually supports the body’s natural cooling process before sleep.Other Hacks Are Hit or MissWhile some techniques have a basis in science, others offer mixed results. Sleep tracking apps can help identify patterns, but becoming too focused on data may cause stress and lead to worse sleep. The same applies to red light therapy—while it may have benefits over blue light, the evidence linking it directly to improved sleep is still limited.Weighted blankets have gained popularity, and many people find the feeling of pressure soothing. This cocooning effect can reduce stress levels, which may indirectly support better sleep.Supplements and Superfoods: Necessary or Not?Melatonin and magnesium supplements are common among sleepmaxxers. While these can help in certain situations, regular use without medical advice might mask deeper sleep issues or create dependency. In some cases, magnesium supplements could even worsen preexisting health conditions.Then there’s kiwi—yes, the fruit. Some studies suggest it contains antioxidants and compounds that support serotonin production, potentially aiding sleep. But again, it’s not a guaranteed fix for everyone.Potentially Harmful TrendsSome practices, like mouth taping, are raising red flags. While they aim to reduce mouth breathing, they can be dangerous—especially for people with sleep apnea or other breathing disorders. Soft tissue damage or worsened airflow are potential risks.Nostril expanders, used for better nasal airflow, may help some people—but persistent nasal breathing issues should always be discussed with a healthcare provider.Don’t Let Sleep Become a StressorWhile building a consistent bedtime routine is beneficial, turning sleep into a high-stakes performance can have the opposite effect. Over-fixation may lead to stress-related insomnia—or even orthosomnia, the obsession with getting “perfect” sleep.Ultimately, sleepmaxxing may work best when approached with balance, not pressure. If sleep troubles persist despite your best efforts, it’s worth seeking professional guidance rather than adding more hacks to your nightstand.