Alright, let’s talk about sleep.
You’ve probably seen the headlines—mouth taping, sleep trackers, grounding sheets. Everyone seems to have a new hack for better rest. But how many of these trends actually help? And how many are just clever marketing?
Today, we’re going to break down some of the most popular sleep trends out there. Many young adults, particularly from Generation Z, are engaging with viral sleep trends like 'bed rotting' on platforms like TikTok. This engagement reflects a broader cultural shift in how young adults approach sleep and rest. Social media platforms are a primary source for these trends, influencing a significant percentage of Americans to experiment with various sleep practices. No fluff, no hype—just a straightforward look at what’s worth your attention and what you can skip. Let’s get into it.
1. Mouth Taping
Let’s start with one of the most talked-about trends—mouth taping. The idea is simple: tape your mouth shut before bed to force yourself to breathe through your nose. It’s all over social media, and the claims range from better sleep to reduced snoring and even improved facial structure over time. Mouth breathing is often cited as a primary cause of sleep deprivation that mouth taping aims to address.
Here’s the thing—there’s not much solid research behind it. While nasal breathing does have documented benefits, taping your mouth isn’t always a safe or effective way to get there. For some people, especially those with breathing issues or undiagnosed sleep apnea, this trend could do more harm than good.
Doctors and sleep experts generally don’t recommend jumping into it without a conversation first. If you’re looking to improve your breathing at night, there are safer and more proven options—like addressing allergies, using a nasal dilator, or seeing a sleep specialist.
Verdict: Interesting idea, but not something to try without checking with your doctor.
2. Grounding Sheets
Next up: grounding sheets. These are marketed as a way to “connect” your body to the Earth’s electrical charge while you sleep. The claim is that this connection reduces inflammation, improves sleep quality, and balances your circadian rhythm.
Let’s be clear—there’s very little scientific evidence to support any of that. Most studies on grounding are small, lack rigorous controls, or are funded by companies that sell the products. That doesn’t automatically make them false, but it does mean the results shouldn’t be taken at face value. Additionally, there is skepticism about how grounding influences well-being, especially when compared to the natural processes of gaining and losing electrons through static electricity.
Some users say they sleep better with grounding sheets, but that could easily be explained by placebo, or by the fact that they’re paying more attention to their sleep routine overall.
Verdict: Sounds promising on paper, but there’s no strong proof it works. If you’re curious, try it—but don’t expect it to fix your sleep problems on its own.
3. Sleep Divorce
Now here’s a trend that’s more practical than it sounds: sleep divorce. This doesn’t mean ending your relationship—it just means sleeping in separate beds or rooms so both people can get better rest. This growing trend has gained significant attention, evidenced by a 28 percent increase in searches and millions of views on social media.
Snoring, different schedules, restless tossing—sharing a bed can make sleep harder, not easier. And poor sleep affects everything from your mood to your immune system. For some couples, separate sleeping arrangements lead to better rest and, ironically, a stronger relationship. Sleep divorce addresses issues related to sharing the same bed, offering solutions like the Scandinavian sleep method to mitigate disturbances.
There’s no stigma here. In fact, many sleep specialists support the idea. It’s not about emotional distance; it’s about getting the sleep you need so you can actually show up for each other during the day.
Verdict: Worth considering if your partner’s sleep habits are disrupting your own. No shame in prioritizing rest.
4. Sleep Tourism
This one sounds luxurious—and it is. Sleep tourism is all about traveling specifically to improve your rest. Think hotel rooms designed for deep sleep, resorts with custom sleep programs, and wellness retreats that include sleep coaching as part of the experience.
Does it work? That depends on what you’re hoping to get out of it. A serene environment, blackout curtains, and a king-sized mattress certainly won’t hurt. If you ever get the chance, definitely try a Stay Well room featuring a Stay Well Mattress by Essentia. But the real question is whether those improvements last once you’re back home. You can create your own sleep retreat at home by incorporating self-care techniques and establishing a calming environment conducive to better sleep.
For some, it’s a valuable reset—a way to step out of their normal routine and relearn what good sleep feels like. For others, it’s a pricey getaway with no long-term impact. Sleep tourism can also contribute to overall health by improving sleep quality and promoting well-being.
Verdict: Can be worthwhile if you’re intentional about applying what you learn at home. Just don’t count on a vacation to solve chronic sleep issues.
5. Sleep Trackers
Wearables, smart rings, under-mattress sensors—sleep trackers are everywhere. They promise to monitor your sleep stages, detect restlessness, and give you data you can use to sleep better.
They can be useful—to a point. If you’re just curious about your habits or trying to stick to a consistent bedtime, sleep tracking can help build awareness. But the data isn’t always accurate, especially when it comes to measuring sleep stages like REM or deep sleep. Most consumer devices estimate based on movement and heart rate, which can be misleading. Additionally, for individuals suffering from significant sleep disorders, these trackers may not provide reliable insights.
There’s also something called orthosomnia—when tracking your sleep makes you anxious about sleep, which ironically makes it harder to rest. This anxiety can contribute to unsatisfactory wakefulness, exacerbating existing sleep issues rather than resolving them.
Verdict: Helpful for building routine, but don’t obsess over the numbers. Use it as a guide, not a diagnosis.
6. Smart Beds and Temperature-Regulating Bedding
If you’ve ever tossed and turned because you were too hot or too cold, this one’s for you. Smart beds and temperature-regulating bedding are designed to keep you at the right temperature all night long—some even adjust automatically based on your body heat or sleep cycle.
Unlike some other trends, this one is backed by science. Temperature plays a major role in how well we sleep. Your core body temperature naturally drops at night, and when your environment supports that drop, you’re more likely to fall—and stay—asleep.
Products like cooling mattress pads, breathable sheets, or beds that actively regulate temperature can make a real difference, especially for hot sleepers or couples with different comfort preferences. Additionally, these products support healthy sleep habits by ensuring your bed is conducive to a good night's rest.
Verdict: Worth it. If overheating is keeping you up, this is one trend that can actually help.
7. Sleep-Inducing Beverages and Supplements
Magnesium mocktails. Tart cherry juice. “Sleepy girl” drinks. There’s a growing market for bedtime beverages and supplements designed to help you wind down. Many of them promise deeper sleep and faster relaxation, often with ingredients like magnesium glycinate, melatonin, or adaptogens, which are considered natural sleep aids.
Some of these ingredients do have mild, research-backed effects. Magnesium, for instance, can help with muscle relaxation and nervous system regulation. Tart cherry juice is a natural source of melatonin. Drinking magnesium as part of the 'sleepy girl' drinks is one of the emerging sleep trends popularized on social media. But the impact tends to be modest—and it varies widely from person to person.
More importantly, these drinks are not a substitute for consistent sleep habits. If your sleep is a mess, a trendy mocktail won’t fix it.
Verdict: Low-risk and potentially helpful, especially as part of a relaxing routine. Just don’t expect miracles in a bottle.
8. Weighted Blankets
Weighted blankets have become a go-to item for people looking to ease anxiety and improve sleep. These blankets apply gentle, even pressure across your body—kind of like a firm hug. The idea is that this pressure can help calm your nervous system and reduce tossing and turning, making it a valuable self-care tool for enhancing personal well-being and sleep quality.
There is some legitimate research behind them, particularly for people with anxiety, ADHD, or sensory processing issues. For others, it really comes down to preference. Some people swear by them. Others find them too heavy or restrictive, especially in warmer climates. Weighted blankets can also serve as a positive reinforcement for treating the bed as a place for sleep, which is crucial for improving both falling and staying asleep.
If you do try one, make sure to get the right weight (usually about 10% of your body weight) and consider a breathable material if you sleep hot.
Verdict: A good option if you enjoy that cocooned feeling. Not a magic fix, but definitely worth a try if stress or restlessness is part of your sleep struggle.
Conclusion
Trends will always come and go. Some are helpful, others are just noise. But at the core of every good night’s sleep is a bed that actually supports your body and your sleep health.
Essentia mattresses are built around that idea. We use patented organic latex foam that contours to your body for real pressure relief—without the toxins found in conventional memory foam. Our mattresses are allergy-friendly, certified organic, and designed to help you enter deeper stages of sleep, naturally. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is also crucial for sleep quality, reinforcing the bed as a place primarily designated for sleep.
If you’re serious about improving your sleep, skip the gimmicks. Start with a mattress that’s been tested, trusted, and built to perform night after night.
Ready to feel the difference? Shop Essentia’s organic mattress collection and invest in the kind of sleep every trend is trying to chase.
