Eight Of TikTok's Top Trending Sleep Hacks

It’s no secret that a good night’s rest is key to our overall wellbeing, which is why prioritising sleep is one of our four main pillars here at NEOM. But if you’re someone who struggles to drift off, you’ll know only too well how frustrating and stressful bedtimes can become. 

While scrolling on social media is probably not a recommended pre-bedtime practice, recently our TikTok feeds have become filled with sleep hacks that promise to induce a slumber in seconds. But do they actually work? Well, we’ve done the legwork for you and edited down the best viral sleep hacks that – when combined with a few helpful tweaks with our favourite NEOM sleep scents – may help you drift off in peace. Happy snoozing…

1. Try 4-7-8 Breathwork

One of the most popular methods for helping you drift off to sleep easier is the 4-7-8 breathwork technique. This simple yet effective practice involves inhaling for four seconds, holding the breath for seven, and exhaling for eight. It's thought to calm the nervous system and promote relaxation, making it a perfect practice to introduce into your bedtime routine. 

Want to take it up a notch? Try pairing this technique with our Bedtime Hero Pillow Mist. Mist your pillow with a couple of spritzes and let the soothing blend of natural essential oils help enhance your relaxation even further and send you off into a deep slumber. And breathe…

Inspo: @doctoranddancer

2. Experiment With Acupressure 

Acupuncture is a type of traditional Chinese medicine therapy that can be used to help restore balance in the body and de-stress. But unless you’re a qualified therapist, it’s probably not the most useful technique to induce sleep when you’re tossing and turning at 2am. Luckily for us, acupuncturist Dr Eileen has shared a unique pressure point that when massaged could be used to help you fall asleep faster and deeper. She recommends applying gentle pressure to the Anmian Acupuncture Point (which is located just behind your ears) with your thumbs while you lie on your back in bed. After about a minute, you may find that you’re feeling much more relaxed and sleepy.

Inspo: @anew.acu 

3. Give Mouth Taping A Go

While it might sound woo-woo, mouth taping is gaining major popularity thanks to its potential sleep-enhancing benefits. Advocates suggest that taping the mouth shut can encourage nasal breathing, which can promote better oxygen intake and carbon dioxide balance in the body, leading to improved sleep quality and a deeper, more restful sleep. It’s also a great way to reduce snoring!

For an added sleep benefit, pop a Bedtime Hero Reed Diffuser in the corner of your room to allow its pure chamomile, ylang ylang and cedarwood essential oil blend fill your space with its calming aroma. 

Inspo: @barrettplasticsurgery

4. Listen To Pink Noise

You’ve probably heard about white noise before but TikTok’s currently advocating pink noise as the must-try sleep soundtrack. Pink noise is a constant low frequency sound that creates a noise similar to a waterfall – helping you to relax and block out any other distracting sounds. Plus, the benefits of pink noise are backed up by science too. A study (which you can read here) suggests that listening to pink noise can increase deep sleep and even improve memory. Impressive…

Inspo: @playpositiveaffirmations

5. Sip A 'Sleepy Girl Mocktail'

Forget warm milk or a herbal tea before bed because there’s a new beverage blowing up on TikTok. The ‘Sleepy Girl Mocktail’ was posted by creator Gracie Norton and has since received more than a million views. The recipe itself calls for half a cup of tart cherry juice, 1 tablespoon of magnesium powder and a sparkling water drink. The belief is that the cherry juice contains melatonin, a natural sleep hormone, which when combined with powdered magnesium, which is thought to help relax our nervous system, the drink can help induce calming sleep properties. We’d suggest topping it up with sparkling water however – to reduce any sugar spikes from the fizzy lemonade!

Inspo: @gracie_norton

6. Try The Alphabet Game 

Therapist Hazel Gale shared a unique technique that could help those with ADHD help relax and quieten a busy mind while in bed. She suggests that as soon as you get into bed, you start playing a silent game in your head called ‘The Alphabet Game’. The idea is that it allows your brain to become occupied with a task that’s interesting enough to keep you engaged without overthinking other thoughts. You simply run through a category (be it fruit, animals, movies) with each letter of the alphabet. Hazel also points out that it works even better if you sync your answers with your breathing. The video has racked up over 5 million views since being posted with many people commenting on how well it worked for them! 

Inspo: @betwixt.app 

7. Give Journaling A Go

If you struggle to quieten the mind at night, journaling could be key to helping you switch off and prepare for sleep. Expressing your thoughts and feelings on paper can help clear your mind of worries and anxieties, making it easier to relax and fall asleep. Light our Perfect Night’s Sleep Scented Candle, infused with a comforting blend of 19 pure essential oils including lavender (known for its calming properties), chamomile and patchouli, to create a serene atmosphere and enhance your journaling experience for a peaceful transition into bedtime.

Inspo: @melrobbins

8. Enjoy A Warm Bath

Not only does a warm bath help to relax your muscles and wash away any stresses of the day, but it also helps to lower your body temperature, signalling to your brain that it's time to wind down. Our NEW Perfect Night’s Sleep Wellbeing Soak is specially formulated with a blend of organic oils to soften and nourish the skin, while our most potent 100% natural sleep fragrance helps soothe both body and mind. Add a generous glug into your bath a couple of hours before you hit the hay to encourage a peaceful night's sleep.

Inspo: @irene.therapy