Sleep Trends: The Rise of Sleepmaxxers and the Risks of Obsessive Rest Rituals

In recent years, the quest for the elusive "perfect sleep" has morphed into a cultural phenomenon, with individuals going to remarkable lengths to achieve their ideal night’s rest. From mouth taping to specialized fans, the pursuit has gained traction both online and offline, leading to a new category of sleep enthusiasts known as "sleepmaxxers." While the intention behind these practices is often positive, experts are cautioning against the potential pitfalls of obsessing over sleep. Derek Antosiek, a 31-year-old Michigan resident, epitomizes this trend. An avid experimenter, he has tried a range of sleep aids, from nostril dilators to specialized mattresses aimed at minimizing disturbances during the night. "The goal was getting closer to a perfect night's sleep," he said, reflecting on his journey through the myriad options available in today's booming sleep industry. In an era when the importance of sleep is becoming increasingly recognized—especially among younger generations like Gen Z—Americans are embracing the necessity of adequate rest, leading to a notable increase in reported sleep time over the past two decades. "The tide is changing," observes Matthew Walker, a prominent professor of neuroscience and psychology at UC Berkeley. "People have reclaimed their right to sleep without embarrassment." Yet, while attitudes toward sleep are evolving, the fundamental guidelines remain unchanged: aiming for at least seven hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. What has shifted is how many individuals are becoming fixated on the quality of their sleep. Social media platforms are flooded with videos showcasing elaborate sleep routines, from wearing jaw straps and mouth tape to documenting morning rituals known as "morning sheds." The rise of sleep gadgets has been staggering. Products designed to enhance sleep range from simple solutions like mouth tapes and pillow mists to high-tech sleep trackers that retail for hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Such devices promise to improve sleep quality but often raise questions about their actual efficacy. For instance, while mouth taping may benefit those with specific breathing issues, its general usefulness remains in dispute, with experts warning of potential risks involved. While many sleepmaxxers find joy in their bedtime rituals—like Mayte Myers, who likens her jaw strap and mouth tape to a "weighted blanket for my face"—others, like Sarah El Kattan, have experienced detrimental effects. The more she focused on her sleep, the more anxious she became, leading to physical symptoms such as heart palpitations. Dr. Walker suggests that those experiencing such anxiety should step away from obsessive tracking and seek professional help. As the sleep culture continues to grow, leading sleep scientists warn against the potential for negative consequences. While they welcome the newfound focus on sleep, they stress that sleep is inherently a passive process meant to be protected, not forced. "Sleep is to be protected, not maximized," notes Dr. Milena Pavlova of the Sleep Testing Center in Boston. Experts further warn about the risks of becoming overly preoccupied with achieving the ideal sleep experience, a phenomenon dubbed "orthosomnia." Coined by researchers in 2017, orthosomnia refers to the anxiety induced by tracking devices and the unrealistic expectations they create regarding sleep quality. Despite the potential for obsession, many sleep enthusiasts manage to maintain a healthy balance. They find joy in their rituals without spiraling into anxiety. Acknowledging when sleep strategies become counterproductive is crucial; individuals like Mr. Antosiek have learned this lesson firsthand, admitting he became "very obsessed" at one point. Ultimately, he suggests that listening to one’s body and recognizing a restful night, regardless of external metrics, may be the most effective approach to achieving better sleep. As the conversation surrounding sleep continues to evolve, it remains essential to separate genuine techniques that enhance rest from potentially harmful obsessions. Healthy sleep habits will always be rooted in understanding one’s own needs, and finding comfort in the process rather than striving for unattainable perfection is key.