Home LivingWellnessSleepDo these viral sleep hacks work? We asked a sleep scientist…Sleep scientist gives her verdict on whether these 6 sleep hacks work or notWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Home LivingWellnessSleepDo these viral sleep hacks work? We asked a sleep scientist…Sleep scientist gives her verdict on whether these 6 sleep hacks work or notWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Sleep scientist gives her verdict on whether these 6 sleep hacks work or not

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Kampus Production / Pexels)

Viral sleep hacks, wellness tips

(Image credit: Kampus Production / Pexels)

If you find it hard to fall asleep at night, chances are you’ve tried your fair share of sleep hacks. From themilitary sleep methodto theopen-eye sleep trick, many sleep hacks have gone viral on TikTok, Instagram and other social media channels… but do they work?

With World Sleep Day coming up on the 17th March, I decided to get to the bottom of whether the sleep tricks that pop up on social media are actually effective or not. To do this, I spoke to Theresa Schnorbach, sleep scientist atEmmaand she debunked these 6 viral sleep hacks, including lettuce water, green noise and wearing socks to bed.

Before I get started, make sure to check out T3’s guide to thebest mattressto upgrade your sleep set-up, and Emma is currently offeringup to 55% off its bestselling mattresses and sleep products.

1. Green noise

Verdict: It works!

2. Sunset lamps

Verdict: Thumbs up

Another popular trend on TikTok is using sunset lamps to get to sleep. If you’re not sure what sunset lamps are, they’re small light projectors that produce calming sunset-like effects on your wall in a range of colours. This light is designed to help you relax in the evening and encourage you to fall asleep. So, do they really work? It turns out, yes. According tostudies, sunset lamps and red light bulbs can be used as a way to support sleep as this type of light therapy exposure boosts quality of sleep and increases melatonin levels, a hormone that helps regulate your circadian rhythm.

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Want to wake up more naturally? Take a look at thebest wake up lights, many of which offer sunset cycles.

(Image credit: Lumie)

Best wake-up light

(Image credit: Lumie)

3. Lettuce water

Verdict: Leave the lettuce alone!

Yes, you read that right, TikTokers are recommending drinking lettuce water for better sleep. According toHealth, the reason lettuce water has this reputation is because it contains lactucarium that’s been reported to promote sleepiness. However, you’d need to steep an insane amount of lettuce to actually get these benefits. Schnorbach says that while “lettuce water is a viral hack that we don’t have much data on, there are foods we do know to be effective in hacking your bedtime. Foods such as protein-rich eggs, nuts and even cheese contain an amino acid known as tryptophan which helps your body to produce melatonin. For more details, check out these8 foods to eat for a good night’s sleep & 4 to avoid.

4. Wearing socks to bed

Verdict: Tick!

(Image credit: Livi Po on Unsplash)

person wearing socks in bed

(Image credit: Livi Po on Unsplash)

5. Breathing techniques

Verdict: Big thumbs up

6. Weighted blankets

Verdict: Scientifically proven!

Thebest weighted blanketshave been “scientifically proven to improve sleep quality with studies showing that they can reduce symptoms of insomnia and depression, and can help us feel calmer and more relaxed whilst sleeping, which in turn increases sleep duration,” says Schnorbach. This is because weighted blankets, including theEmma Hug Weighted Blanket, “simulate pressure similar to the feeling of being hugged which activates the PNS. This lowers heart rate, helping us to fall asleep faster and improving sleep quality.”

If you want to save money on a new Emma mattress, have a look at theseEmma mattress dealsand for more sleep tips, check out theEmma Up Sleep App.

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