How to get the best sleep of your life: discover five genius sleep hacks that really work!
Folks used to call it "beauty sleep", and now they're called it "sleepmaxxing". If Gen Z vernacular continues to confuse and astound you (because, same) - welcome to the Gathered guide on sleepmaxxing. Turns out, it's actually super useful for your bedtime routine.
Ignoring your inadequate sleep schedule can effect you massively in the long run. According to the National Institutes of Health, sleep affects your "heart and circulatory system, metabolism, respiratory system and immune system" as well as "how well you think, react, work, learn, and get along with others."
Sleep to the max with Emma's Summer giveaway
Don't miss out on up to £450 of savings in Emma's Summer Giveaway: Get free pillows and a mattress protector worth £245 when you buy the Emma Hybrid ThermoSync Mattress.
What is sleepmaxxing?
Sleepmaxxing as a concept is all about optimising your sleep, so that when you put your head down at the end of the day, you can get the most effective rest for your health.
There are five key factors to sleepmaxxing that we will uncover today, including products like mattresses and weighted blankets, and lifestyle hacks too.
The five steps to sleepmaxxing
1. A personalised mattress
Much like the Princess and the Pea story, nothing is worse than going to sleep on a mattress that just feels... wrong. Therefore, your first port of call when it comes to sleepmaxxing is finding the right mattress for your body. Here's some of our top picks for you to try.
Emma Hybrid Thermosync Mattress
The Emma Hybrid Thermosync Mattress has a 4.7-star rating from its customers, and it's easy to see why: it has 6 layers of advanced comfort to help you have the peaceful night's sleep that you deserve. Cutting-edge Thermosync technology makes it easier to regulate your body temperature at night. This is a medium-firm mattress, which is likely to be comfortable for most sleepers, with a memory foam layer that moulds to your body shape.
Emma Hybrid Airgrid Mattress
When the temperatures soar, it can be difficult to stay cool at night – that's where the Emma Hybrid Airgrid Mattress comes in. This innovative mattress has a clever grid design which gives you the sensation of weightless comfort and support while keeping you cool as you sleep. This medium-soft mattress features MemoryAdapt foam, which fits your unique body shape perfectly, with infinity springs to support your spine.
- Get free items worth up to £430 when you order this mattress as part of Emma Sleep's Summer Giveaway! Get free cloud pillows, a mattress protector and a cloud duvet with your new mattress and enjoy better sleep.
The perfect night's sleep begins with the right pillow. Choose the wrong one and you'll wake up with a sore neck! This set of premium pillows will help you feel comfy and supported all night. They come with a layer of ThermoSync cooling foam too – just what you need on sticky summer nights!
Still not sure which mattress is right for you? Try this quick quiz and find the perfect mattress for your needs.
Take your mattress quiz now
2. A weighted blanket
If you often experience the vicious circle of anxiety when your head hits the pillow, a weighted blanket will help you fall asleep relaxed. It provides gentle pressure stimulation to reduce stress and offer a cosy, hugged feeling all night long.
You can upgrade with a 100% bamboo version, helping you regulate your temperature while replicating the softness of silk.
Shop the weighted blanket here
3. A sleep tracker
Gathered team member Nancy Hingston is a fan of using sleep tracking to optimise her rest. She told us: "I wear a smart ring, and it's learnt, based on my sleeping habits, when I should be winding down for bed and also when I should aim to be asleep by. I've found by using a sleep tracker, I can make sure I get the right hours of rest for my body."
Related: 'Good sleep can be re-learned' How to improve sleep with this science-backed hack
4. A surprising one... mouth tape
Whilst the concept of taping your mouth shut at night might confuse you at first, it turns out it can help REM sleep. Helping reduce snoring and mild sleep apnoea (if you're a mouth breather at night), this in turn leads to a deeper and more effective sleep.
Just make sure to test a session of tape out during the day to see if it feels comfortable for you. Sleep apnoea can be a sign of more serious health conditions, so make sure you consult a doctor before trying mouth taping.
5. Sleep-inducing supplements
Perhaps the most famous supplement known to help sleep is magnesium, thanks to its ability to activate your calming parasympathetic nervous system.
Other supplements that help sleep are melatonin, malerian, L-theanine (found in green tea – decaffeinated!), ashwagandha, and 5-HTP. Try each out and introduce them slowly to your routine.
Why choose Emma Sleep?
Emma Sleep is a highly-celebrated bedding and mattress brand with over 35 awards received in the UK so far. For example, the Emma Hybrid Thermosync Mattress was rated "Best Hybrid Mattress" by Ideal Home.
They have a ton of promotions on right now in Emma Sleep's Summer Giveaway. Here are more fantastic offers that we know you'll love:
