If you’re an avid TikTok user, you may be aware of sleep-related trends such as bed rotting and mouth taping. But these social media trends aren’t always the answer to your slumber woes. So, which TikTok trends will help you get a good night’s sleep this winter?
For those in need of a good night’s kip, the experts at Electric Tobacconist have found the TikTok sleep tips and hacks worth listening to, and the science behind why they work.
Drinking lettuce water (4.4 million TikTok views)
Drinking lettuce water has become a popular sleep remedy, praised for its calming effects and simplicity, with over 4.4 million views on TikTok worldwide. Made by steeping lettuce leaves in hot water like tea, this drink is believed to release natural compounds, such as lactucarium, which may promote relaxation and reduce stress. It’s a comforting, all-natural option for winding down. Drinking lettuce water before bed can help soothe the nervous system, making it easier to drift off. Its warm, herbal nature also adds a cozy ritual to your nighttime routine, creating a sense of calm. While more research is needed to confirm its full benefits, many swear by lettuce water as a gentle, natural way to enhance sleep.
Military sleep method (1.4 million TikTok views)
Developed to help soldiers fall asleep in under two minutes—even in high-stress situations—this relaxation technique has become a viral sensation, with TikTok tutorials amassing millions of views. It’s simple yet powerful: lie on your back, systematically relax your body from head to toe, and clear your mind through visualization or repeating a calming mantra. Why is it so effective? The science lies in its combination of progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, and mental imagery. These techniques not only reduce stress but also calm the nervous system, helping your body ease into a sleep-ready state. Research shows that progressive muscle relaxation can significantly improve the time it takes to fall asleep and enhance overall sleep quality.
Alphabet Sleep
The Alphabet Sleep Method (1.3 million TikTok views) is a simple yet effective mental trick to help you fall asleep faster. It involves picking a category—like animals or foods—and mentally listing items in alphabetical order. By focusing your mind on this low-pressure task, you distract yourself from stress and overthinking, making it easier to relax and drift off. This method works by gently engaging your brain without overstimulation, which helps prevent racing thoughts and encourages a sleep-friendly state of mind. Easy, portable, and requiring no special tools, it’s a winter-ready strategy to improve your bedtime routine and ensure more restful nights.
4-7-8 Breathwork (360,000 TikTok views)
The 4-7-8 Breathwork sleep hack is trending on TikTok with 360,000 TikTok views and is a gamechanger for better sleep. By progressively relaxing the body, focusing on deep breathing, and using calming visualizations or mantras, it promotes faster and deeper rest. This technique works by reducing stress and calming the nervous system, helping the body transition into a sleep-ready state. Research confirms that such methods improve sleep quality and are especially effective for those experiencing insomnia or heightened stress. “Breathing techniques like 4-7-8 breathing can play a huge role in activating your parasympathetic nervous system and helping you to shift back toward tranquility,” says integrative medicine specialist Melissa Young, M.D.
Braintapping (166,000 TikTok views)
With 166,000 views on TikTok, Braintapping is a cutting-edge relaxation technique that combines soothing sounds, binaural beats, and gentle light pulses to guide your brain into a calm, sleep-ready state. Using specialized headphones and LED-equipped visors, it helps transition brainwaves from active to deeply relaxed, making it easier to unwind and fall asleep. Think of it as guided meditation enhanced by science. A Brazilian study found that just one BrainTap session boosted heart rate variability, increased relaxation, and lowered stress. The findings showcase BrainTap’s power to enhance sleep and overall wellbeing.
Why is getting quality sleep important? Quality sleep is essential for your overall health and wellbeing, and a good sleep schedule will improve your cognitive function, emotional regulation, repairing of tissues, and regulating hormones.
Poor sleep quality has been linked with decreased immune function, mood disturbances, and an increased risk of developing chronic health conditions. Whilst the occasional sleepless night is normal, we recommend talking to your doctor for more advice if you regularly have difficulty falling or staying asleep.
