‘Sleepmaxxing’ improves sleep, right? It might not, doctor says

Bedtime is in the spotlight with the latest wellness trend, “sleepmaxxing” – using every available hack to optimise sleep quality and quantity. There are nearly 99 million posts related to the trend on TikTok.

What would you do to get a good night’s sleep?

For the past two years, Hong Kong resident Kathy Lo has relied on a silk eye mask with a tourmaline insert, similar inserts for her pillows, roll-on essential oil, and silk pillowcases to help her drift off into peaceful slumber. Tourmaline is a type of crystal that is said to promote a sense of calm and relaxation.

These make it easier for her to wind down at night and help induce sleep naturally, Lo says.

Eye masks – some with tourmaline crystals or infused with essential oils – are a popular sleeping aid. Photo: Shutterstock

In addition to using the mask and essential oil – a blend of lavender, citrus and rosemary – Lo’s bedtime ritual includes dimming the bedroom lights, taking a warm shower, drinking tea and reading.

Eye masks, special pillows and aromatherapy oils are just a few of the many sleep aids that are commonly marketed to help with sleep and relaxation.