Experts debunk some viral sleep trends

BOSTON – It is estimated that more than a third of Americans have tried one of this year’s viral sleep trends, but do they work?

Healthline experts debunk some of these social media trends and offer alternative advice.

“Bed rots”

Let's start with “bed decay,” where people spend extended periods of time in bed. Too much time in bed can negatively impact sleep, mood, metabolic health, and stamina. So instead of lying around in bed, try meditation, yoga, reading a book, or spending time in nature to refresh your mind and soul.

“Mocktail for sleepy girl”

Next, some influencers recommend a “Sleepy Girl Mocktail” made with cherry juice, magnesium powder, and sparkling water. Magnesium can promote sleep, but depending on the type and dose, it can cause stomach upset and diarrhea, so talk to your doctor about magnesium supplements or other supplements that might help you sleep.

90-minute sleep steps

And then there's the recommendation to sleep in 90-minute increments, which tries to replicate the natural sleep cycle of 90 to 120 minutes. But this doesn't always work and can disrupt sleep. Instead, focus on a regular sleep schedule with the goal of getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night.