I Tried The Viral Sleepy Girl Mocktail So You Don't Have To

What is sleepmaxxing?

If you're confused about sleepmaxxing, you're not alone — it's really not a straightforward term. It reminds us of what Will Ferrell said in Blades of Glory: "No one knows what it means but it's provocative...gets the people going." However, it actually has a meaning, and Dr. Bindal succinctly breaks it down. "Sleepmaxxing is the art and science of optimizing one's sleep and achieving the best possible quality & quantity of sleep by addressing every factor that can disrupt sleep," he says. This can look like using ear plugs, sleep masks, establishing specific sleep rituals, or anything else that is soothing and helpful.

Mainly, if you actually want to maximize your sleep, then you need to focus on what you do before you go to bed. Unbeknownst to us at times, our bedtime habits can affect the kind of rest we get (or not) at night. Dr. Bindal says, "Optimal Sleep hygiene methodologies including limiting light and sound exposure to using the latest sleep gadgets so sleepmaxxing aims to enhance sleep quality to the fullest." Unfortunately this means our habit of binge watching shows or scrolling mindlessly on TikTok at night aren't helping us.

I mean, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 35% of those surveyed have their sleep interrupted by lights inside of their homes. That's just lights, sans repetitious social media sounds and compelling television plots. When you add those on top of it all...let's just say we really are not doing ourselves any favors.

How does getting the proper amount of rest aid in our overall wellbeing?

Now that you have a better idea of what sleepmaxxing is, we have to talk about why it matters. Dr. Bindal says getting the "proper amount of sleep" helps support" the following "various bodily functions" including, but not limited to:

• Brain health — Enhanced cognition in domains of learning, concentration and consolidating memory by promoting phenomenon of hippocampal plasticity
• Immune system function — A production of essential immune cells, better equipped to fighting off infections
• Hormone regulation — A regulation of mood and reduced stress and physical repair that promotes muscle recovery, tissue repair, and overall physical development

He further explains that hormone regulation eventually leads to "improved mood, concentration, energy levels, and reduced risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes."

Basically, the health benefits of slowing down and going to sleep outweigh what society often pushes — staying up later, longer and hustling at all hours of the day and night.

On average, how many hours of sleep are recommended?

How much rest are you truly getting at night? If you ask America's Health Rankings, 35% of adults are getting less than seven hours of sleep. Dr. Bindal says that while adults should sleep between seven and nine hours every night, and there are health risks for those who don't. "Research corroborates that adults who sleep less than seven hours a night may have more health issues than those who do," he explains. Johns Hopkins Medicinefound that sleep deprivation can lead to a "36% increased risk for colorectal cancer," propensity for developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and an overall lower immune system.

Saying "I'll sleep when I'm dead," may sound like a joke, but there's nothing funny about not letting your body get the rest it needs to function.

Should people with sleep difficulties try sleepmaxxing?

There are several reasons why your sleep could be negatively impacted right now. You may be dealing with insomnia due to stress, depression, or being a new parent. According to the American Psychological Association, 43% of people believe being stressed contributes to their lack of sleep. Furthermore, these same people have noticed their mood has shifted. The same reports shows that 45% of people who are getting less than the recommended hours of sleep have shared they feel on edge more than others while 52% have noticed they've been taking their frustrations out on those in their household.

Dr. Bindal agrees that sleepmaxxing can greatly benefit you if you're struggling because it can "enhance sleep quality to the fullest and emphasizes the importance of optimal sleep health."

How does sleepmaxxing benefit us?

Clearly, you need a certain amount of sleep to function properly and achieve all those goals you've so intentionally set recently (hello, October Theory!). That's where sleepmaxxing can come in. Dr. Bindal says, "Improved sleep quality can lead to enhanced mental clarity and emotional stability, making it easier to navigate daily challenges."

If you're planning to change a few habits, you're going to need all the strength and focus you can access because change isn't always easy — even if you welcome it! So when you're implementing these new nighttime routines, be sure to stick to them. Turn your phone on Do Not Disturb, avoid the itch to scroll socials, and make sure you're able to properly relax. It can make all the difference in the world!

How can we incorporate sleepmaxxing in our bedtime routines?

If you don't know how to make sleepmaxxing work for you, Dr. Bindal has great suggestions! "Key techniques include optimizing your sleep environment, establishing a consistent sleep schedule, and managing stress and anxiety," he suggests.

One of the key ways you can make sure your room will promote a good night's sleep is by "adjusting the temperature" or "practicing a relaxation exercises before bed," he says. While meditation and mindfulness may be relaxation exercises that take practice over time, choosing the correct temperature is an easy way to set yourself up for success. Everyone's different, but he truly believes your room should be between 65 and 69 degrees Fahrenheit, too.

As Dr. Bindal mentioned before, eliminating sources of light can also aid in the rest you get. Personally, I can't sleep with the TV or lights on anymore because I just know it interrupts my sleep. My room is usually pitch black when it's time to go to sleep — to the point my three-year-old knows what it means when I turn everything off.

Besides these things, Dr. Bindal encourages you to maintain "consistent sleep and wake times" along with a "balanced diet and regular physical activity." Whether that means you start making your own Cava bowls inspired by the blue zone diet or doing workouts at home, they can aid in helping your body repair itself which then promotes the sleep you need.

Can we become too hyper-focused on our quality of sleep?

As with anything, too much of something can have adverse affects which rules out any benefits. Though sleepmaxxing can be a good thing for you, becoming fixated on it is likely going to make you even more stressed. "One of the primary concerns with sleepmaxxing is the development of orthosomnia, a condition caused by an obsession with tracking sleep metrics, with devices or apps, which increases anxiety and can further disrupt sleep, called paradoxical insomnia," Dr. Bindal warns.

If you become too obsessed with tracking every little thing, he says all this will do is "disrupt sleep cycles and limit the efficacy of insomnia treatments." But, he has an idea of what you can do to lessen the chance that'll happen. "Instead of over-analyzing how much sleep you’re getting, it’s important to understand that insomnia is a common and treatable condition, by incorporating healthy sleep hygiene routines organically and focusing on addressing the root causes of insomnia symptoms," he shares.

How can we optimize our sleep without getting sucked into wellness trends?

Whether you want to call it sleepmaxxing or not, all you have to do is normalize the tips Dr. Bindal mentioned above. "Some of the ways can include established a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, managing light exposure, and limiting screen time before you want to go to sleep," he reiterates. Social media isn't going anywhere so don't let your FOMO convince you that potential scandals or tutorials are more important than getting seven to nine hours of sleep.

Also, don't forget to "maintain a comfortable sleep environment" while being aware of your "caffeine and alcohol intake throughout the day," Dr. Bindal points out. Something tells us that we're going to have to be intentional about breaking up with our daily coffee runs and desires to unwind with a nice glass of wine. But if it means we'll sleep better, we'll add that to our list of habits to change!

Cleaning Products

Glad Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags

$15, was $23

Taking out the trash surely isn't the most glamorous of all household chores, but it is necessary. These expertly-designed Glad bags make the task more manageable with unparalleled durability and stretch, two layers of leak protection, and a fresh Febreze scent. Stock up for 35% off during Prime Day.

Blueland Toilet Bowl Cleaner Starter Set

$23, was $29

These plastic-free tabs make cleaning your toilet bowl as easy as 'drop and flush.' The fizzy formula dissolves to remove every type of blemish from rust and mineral deposits to limescale and hard water. You'll enjoy the 100% natural lemon-cedar fragrance after every cleaning sesh!

Dawn Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray

$12, was $18

This powerful dish soap comes in a satisfying spray format, helping to erase hefty grease stains and food residue in a fraction of the time it'd take if you used a traditional liquid dish soap. You can use it beyond dirty dishes too: it works on kitchen counters, laundry stains, and grills.

Amazon Basics 2-Ply Flex-Sheets Paper Towels

$4, was $5

For an "affordable and effective" clean, opt to order this cheap 2-pack of paper towel rolls that can handle everyday messes in a single tear for Prime Day.

Clorox Free & Clear Compostable Cleaning Wipes

$14, was $18

These at-home compost-friendly Clorox wipes boast the Safer Choice stamp of approval from the EPA, so they're certifiably safe to use around kids, pets, and food. They work on a variety of surfaces to clean and disinfect whatever they come in contact with. We love using these for a quick and easy clean-up session around the kitchen and bathroom before guests come over!

Natural Kitchen Sponges 12-Pack

$14, was $17

You won't need to do a restock on kitchen sponges for a while after snagging this handy 12-pack! They're made of plant-based fibers that not only supply a solid clean, but also prevent excess bacteria growth because of their extra-porous texture. After a sponge has reached the end of its lifespan, you can compost the white cellulose layer!

Blueland Laundry Detergent Tablets

$34, was $44

It only takes one of these 100% plastic-free detergent tablets to really freshen up a load of laundry. They're produced with enzymes proven to lift tough stains, plus the formula is completely hypoallergenic, so it's safe to use for kids' and pet laundry. This pack can tackle 120 rounds!

Clorox Disinfecting All-Purpose Cleaner

$12, was $15

Though these all-purpose cleaning sprays have zero bleach, they still effectively tackle grease, grime, and soap scum with ease. They provide the powerful clean you're looking for around the kitchen, bathroom, and more – the formula is proven to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, including COVID-19. Snag the trio for only $4 a bottle during Prime Day!

Windex Glass & Window Cleaner

$3, was $4

Windex is an absolutely undeniable staple for any cleaning lineup. It can wipe away dirt, smudges, fingerprints, and more, leaving a streak-free shine every time. Stock up for just $3 this Prime Day.

Vitamins + Supplements

Ritual Multivitamin

$26, was $37

This vegan, sugar-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and soy-free multivitamin formula brings a daily dose vitamins B12, D, E, and K12 along with folate, iron, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and boron. It's verified by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), a mark that less than 1% of multivitamins have. The capsules are also Non-GMO Project-verified, ensuring no heavy metals, major allergens, or microbes are present.

Sugarbear Hair Vitamin Gummies

$24, was $39

These vitamin gummies claim to support healthy hair and nails through 6000 mcg of biotin, vitamins D, E, and B6, plus folate, calcium, zinc, sodium, iodine and a proprietary mix of European elderberry, inositol, MSM, and omega-3 fatty acids. Each plant-based gummy has only 1 gram of sugar and 10 calories to suit a healthy routine. Most users have noticed a difference after 3 months of consistent use!

OLLY Women's Multivitamin Gummies

$14, was $17

Another exceptional multivitamin, these OLLY gummies contain vitamins A, B, C, D, and E to help fight free radicals, support bone health, and amp up cellular energy production. There's even 500% of your daily value of biotin in each dose to encourage healthy hair, skin, and nails! They can help "fill in the gaps" of your eating habits to deliver all the nutrients your body needs on the daily.

Lemme Matcha Superfood Energy Gummies

$24, was $30

These matcha-infused gummies give you a good boost of non-jittery energy when you need it most – think for that classic afternoon slump or post-workweek outing! They're made with organic matcha, vitamin B12, and CoQ10, a "powerful" antioxidant and coenzyme that assists in energy production. Each gummy is vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, gelatin-free, and has no high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, or synthetic colors.

Nature's Bounty Biotin

$7, was $20

For an affordable hair, skin, and nail vitamin, biotin is the way to go. In addition to the physical benefits, it can also help support a healthy nervous system and metabolism.

Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder

$34, was $42

Our favorite protein powder is on sale for Prime Day at 20% off! One serving contains 21 grams of plant-based protein, 1 gram of sugar, plus 6 grams of prebiotics and fiber and 9 essential amino acids. You can use it across shakes, smoothies, overnight oats, and even baked goods to get your protein fix. It's shoppable in 9 flavors, but our go-to is this vanilla iteration.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Amazon Basics 24-Pack Rechargeable AA Batteries

$19, was $24

You never know when you're gonna need some extra batteries, so make sure you have some spares handy by stocking up with this 20% off Prime Day deal! These are rechargeable, too, ensuring you never run out of energy.

Amazon Elements Baby Wipes

$19, was $22

A whole 810 wipes for $19? Count us in. These gentle, non-flushable baby wipes are formulated without fragrances, alchohol, bronopol, dyes, parabens, and pthalates, ensuring a safe clean for your little one every time.

Levoit Air Purifier

$80, was $100

Though t's a bit of a bigger purchase, having an air purifier like this one at home is a super smart investment, especially if you are prone to environmental allergies (or just want to keep your place smelling fresh and clean). This compact model comes complete with a HEPA-grade filter that captures smoke, dust, dander, and more up to 1,095 square feet of space.

Daisy Edgar-Jones also revealed that she's remained incredibly close to Paul Mescal after their time on Hulu's Normal People. "Paul is one of my lifetime best friends," she says. "He’s an incredibly grounded person and I am too, I think, so it’s nice to be able to have those touchstones and those people you can laugh about it with and be lighthearted with. We met when I was 20 and Paul was 22; I’m so excited to see where we’ll be at 32, 42, and what life will bring us."

But the coolest thing is that not only is Normal People special for Paul and Daisy, but they've also been able to see the effect of the show on its fans.

"The thing I love people saying the most is, 'It made me contact my ex,'" Daisy continues. "Especially when much older people say, 'I just wanted to reach out to the person I was with when I was 17 just to say you were a big part of my history and thanks for being part of who I am, the tapestry of my life.' And that I really love, because I’m a massive romantic."

Daisy recently revealed they bonded over their training for Twisters and Gladiator II.

"I did running lessons — isn’t that crazy?" she told Variety. "Actually, Paul [Mescal] and I were laughing about it, because he was training for 'Gladiator II' and I was training for 'Twisters,' and obviously he had to be huge and I was like, 'Don’t worry, I’m going to be right up there with you.'"