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Welcome to SleepTok, Where the Hacks Are Weird and the Sleep Is Elusive
Okay so, full disclosure: I’ve had a rocky relationship with sleep since, like, sophomore year of high school. (Thanks, anxiety, blue light, and a caffeine addiction I refuse to kick.) But if TikTok’s taught me anything, it’s that people will try anything to knock out faster—including some hacks that sound less like science and more like witchcraft.
I dove deep into SleepTok—the chaotic corner of the internet where people tape their mouths shut, boil bananas in water, and stuff onions in their socks for a "detox sleep." My algorithm is ruined, but you’re welcome.
Here’s how my week of sleep got unhinged—and what actually worked.
1. 🧅 The Onion Sock Theory: Smelly But Shockingly... Cozy?
What it is: Slice up a raw onion and tuck it into your socks before bed. The theory is that it "detoxes" your body through your feet.
The experience: My room smelled like a Subway sandwich and sadness. I woke up in a weird fog, kinda like I’d been chloroformed by a farmer's market. But oddly… I did sleep through the night. Placebo? Black magic? I don’t know. But it worked (and made my dog avoid me, so bonus).
Weirdness Level: 10/10
Effectiveness: 7.5/10
Would I do it again? No. My sheets still smell like a hoagie.
2. 😷 Mouth Taping: The Hack That Made Me Question Everything
What it is: You literally tape your mouth shut to force nose breathing. Allegedly helps with snoring, better oxygen flow, and deep sleep.
The experience: Terrifying at first. I panicked like a Sims character trapped in a pool with no ladder. But once I got over the mental hurdle (and found a gentle medical tape), it actually made my sleep feel deeper? Like, I woke up and didn’t feel like a zombie. Which is rare.
Weirdness Level: 8/10
Effectiveness: 9/10
Would I do it again? Yes—on nights I’m not spiraling.
3. 🍌 Banana Peel Tea: Gen Z Witchcraft?
What it is: Boil a whole banana (peel on!) in water, strain it, and drink the tea. Supposedly packed with magnesium to help you relax.
The experience: Not gonna lie—this was gross. It tasted like hot compost. BUT… the magnesium theory checks out. I slept hard. Like, “forgot to set my alarm and missed a meeting” hard. Downside? Banana water smells like regret.
Weirdness Level: 6/10
Effectiveness: 9/10
Would I do it again? Maybe. If I have nothing better and a spare banana.
4. 🧼 Bar of Soap Under the Sheets??
What it is: Put an unwrapped bar of soap under your fitted sheet near your feet. Meant to stop leg cramps and restlessness.
The experience: I spent the whole night afraid I was going to roll onto it like a hidden LEGO. Nothing happened. I didn’t sleep better. Just had dreams about a Dove commercial.
Weirdness Level: 5/10
Effectiveness: 2/10
Would I do it again? Nope. Sorry, soap gang.
5. 💨 Vicks VapoRub on Feet and Chest
What it is: Rub Vicks on your chest AND soles of your feet. Wear socks. Supposed to calm coughing and help you sleep deeper.
The experience: Honestly... it slapped. I felt like a sleepy little mint leaf. Smelled like my abuela’s medicine cabinet, but in a comforting way.
Weirdness Level: 4/10
Effectiveness: 8.5/10
Would I do it again? Already have. Multiple times.
6. 🕯️ Sleepy Girl Mocktail: TikTok's Bougie Sleep Potion
What it is: Tart cherry juice + magnesium powder + a little soda water. Gen Z’s fave bedtime drink.
The experience: This felt like a wellness girlie potion, and I loved it. The magnesium hit mellowed me out, and the cherry juice allegedly boosts melatonin naturally. I passed out in a sleepy girl slumber after sipping it in my silk pajamas (okay, oversized hoodie).
Weirdness Level: 3/10
Effectiveness: 8/10
Would I do it again? Weekly. Call me a sleepy girl disciple.
7. 📱 ASMR Rabbit Holes: Soothing or Creepy?
What it is: Those whispery, tappy ASMR TikToks that promise to calm your nervous system.
The experience: I ended up spiraling into a 2-hour "ASMR dentist" rabbit hole. Relaxing? Yes. Weirdly arousing? Also yes. Did I sleep better? A bit. But I also dreamed about whispering teeth-cleaners. So, tradeoffs.
Weirdness Level: 7/10
Effectiveness: 6/10
Would I do it again? Occasionally. With headphones.
Winner?
I’m not saying TikTok should replace your doctor (please don’t), but some of these hacks kinda work. I went in expecting meme-fodder, and left with a few actual sleep tools. Mouth taping and the Sleepy Girl Mocktail lowkey changed my sleep game. Onion socks? Never again. But respect to the brave weirdos out there who keep SleepTok thriving.
So if you’re lying awake scrolling at 3 AM (hi, I see you), maybe give one of these a shot. Worst case, you smell like a deli and have a good story.
Stay tuned for more sleep-deprived chaos, viral tests, and Gen Z wellness weirdness at Woke Waves Magazine.
#TikTokTrends #SleepHacks #GenZWellness #ViralExperiments #WokeWaves
