Australians experiencing difficulty sleeping are increasingly turning to unproven and potentially hazardous methods promoted online, prompting warnings from medical experts. Among these practices is “sleepmaxxing,” a range of techniques pitched by social media influencers as ways to improve sleep quality, including taping the mouth shut to encourage nasal breathing and showering in total darkness before bed.

The Australasian Sleep Association (ASA) has expressed concern over the adoption of such tactics, noting there is little scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness. The ASA also cautions that these approaches may exacerbate sleep difficulties by increasing anxiety and, in some cases, pose health risks.

Associate Professor Sara Winter, a clinical psychologist affiliated with the ASA, highlighted the paradoxical nature of the trend. She explained that individuals struggling with insomnia often become fixated on achieving "perfect" sleep, which can ironically serve as a barrier to actually falling or staying asleep. “The more rules people create around sleep, the more they monitor it and the more anxious they become about whether they’re doing it correctly, the harder sleep can become,” she said.

Particular concern was raised about mouth taping, a practice that involves sealing the lips to promote breathing through the nose. Professor Winter emphasized the absence of robust evidence supporting its use as an insomnia treatment, while warning that it could be dangerous for those with undiagnosed respiratory conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea. Restricting oral airflow may exacerbate breathing difficulties during sleep, underscoring the need for individuals with symptoms of sleep apnea to seek medical evaluation and evidence-based care rather than relying on social media advice.

Another common method linked to the sleepmaxxing trend involves showering in complete darkness to minimize light exposure before bedtime. While intended to improve sleep onset, Professor Winter noted that this practice carries a tangible risk of falls or injuries due to reduced visibility, advising caution.

With insomnia affecting millions in Australia, health professionals stress the importance of evidence-based approaches to managing sleep disorders. They encourage those experiencing persistent sleep problems to consult qualified medical practitioners rather than attempting potentially unsafe remedies promoted online.