What is Sleepmaxxing?
Have you ever had a night of sleep so restless that you’d do anything to avoid repeating it the next night? We’ve all been there.
As winter settles in and the sun disappears a little earlier each day, many of us feel it - low energy, mood dips, mental fog. One of the most powerful ways to reset? A good night’s sleep.
But let’s be honest sleep isn’t always as simple as “just go to bed earlier.”
Enter: sleepmaxxing.
What is Sleepmaxxing?
Sleepmaxxing is the latest wellness trend to emerge from the biohacking world. It’s all about optimising your sleep through supplements, smart gadgets, strict routines, and intentional habits.
Think sleep trackers, blue-light glasses, magnesium powders, blackout curtains, or data-driven wearables that score your rest. For some, these tools can be helpful. For others, they can feel like more to do and that’s where Nova X takes a gentler approach.
Does It Actually Work?
Some elements of sleepmaxxing do help:
✅ A consistent bedtime and wake-up time?
✅ Avoiding screens before bed?
✅ Creating a cool, dark, and quiet space?
But some parts can be overdone. Obsessing over your sleep score or chasing “perfect rest” can trigger anxiety, known as orthosomnia where you’re more stressed about sleeping well than actually sleeping.
The goal of sleep hygiene isn’t perfection. It’s creating a calm, intentional space that supports your body’s natural rhythms without pressure or guilt.
🧡 A Note from me
I’ll be honest with you, I’m a troublesome sleeper. That’s why sleep hygiene is such an important (and personal) topic for me.
Why? I’ve started listening to my body more allowing rest before I feel the need to try clear some sleep debt. I’ve been winding down earlier, using gentle routines to signal bedtime (acupressure mat, Ovaltine Sleep drink, no phone, low lighting), and keeping up my wellness treatments.
How’s your wind-down routine going? If you're like me and sleep doesn’t always come easily, this blog is full of realistic, pressure-free tips to help you find a rhythm that works for you.
How to Build a Mindful Sleep Routine
You don’t need a $300 tracker or perfect sleep scores to improve your rest. Try these 9 grounded tips:
1. Be Consistent
Go to bed and wake up around the same time daily—even on weekends.
2. Create a Wind-Down Routine
Dim the lights, stretch for 5 minutes, brush your teeth, read a few pages of an actual book, or sip something warm. These small actions cue your brain it’s time to rest.
3. No More Pressure Please
Trying to force sleep can backfire. Be gentle with yourself. It’s okay if sleep doesn’t come right away.
4. Watch What You Consume
Limit caffeine after midday and alcohol before bed. Stay hydrated. This goes for what you watch on TV too - that late night action thriller probably isn't doing you favours.
5. Get Morning Sunlight
Step outside for 5–10 minutes in the morning. It helps regulate your body clock.
6. Set Up a Sleep-Friendly Room
Keep your space cool, quiet, and dark. Try blackout blinds or white noise if needed.
7. Calm Your Nervous System
Breathe slowly. Stretch gently. Try progressive muscle relaxation to unwind. There are heaps of resources on Headspace, Spotify and YouTube for wind down meditations, body scans, breathwork and white noise playlists.
8. Be Your Own Ally
Shift your mindset from must sleep to I’m giving myself space to rest.
9. Embrace the Imperfect
Some nights will be off. That’s okay. Rest is still valuable, even if it’s not perfect.
Sleepmaxxing FAQs
Q: Is sleepmaxxing safe for everyone?
Generally yes, but not if it leads to stress. If tracking your sleep increases anxiety, it may be time to simplify.
Q: Can supplements help?
Sometimes - magnesium and melatonin can support sleep, but always consult a healthcare provider first.
Q: Do I need a gadget?
Nope. Your body knows what rest feels like. Trust your instincts, not just your sleep app.
Rest Is a Ritual, Not a Race
At Nova X, we believe that wellness begins with awareness and sleep is no exception.
So whether you’re sleepmaxxing, simplifying, or somewhere in between, try this: approach your evenings with care. Create space. Let go of perfection. And remember, your rest doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.
Your wellbeing is worth the wind -down.
Stay well.
Storm Dawson
Nova X Wellness | Solutions | PA | Event Host | Perth
Disclaimer:
This blog is intended for general wellness information and personal reflection only. I am not a medical professional, and the suggestions shared here are based on personal experience and public resources. Always consult your doctor, sleep specialist, or healthcare provider before making changes to your health or sleep routine - especially if you’re managing a medical condition or persistent sleep difficulties.