Sleep expert issues warning on Gen Z latest trend ‘bedtime stacking’

‘Bedtime stacking’ is the latest Gen Z trend sweeping social media, but a sleep expert has warned that it may not be as healthy as first believed.

When bedtime beckons, you may be tempted to assemble everything you need for a guilt-free wind-down routine.

This could be: filling up your Stanley with ice-cold water; pulling out various journals; gathering essential skincare bits; collecting a good, chunky novel; and picking up your laptop from your desk to watch reruns of your favourite show.

The habit of laying out everything you need on your bed or your bedside table is being called ‘bedtime stacking’, and it’s the latest wellness trend to hit TikTok, as per Andrew Seed, sleep specialist at The Odd Company.

“This trend aims to transform your bed into a personal wellness hub, supposedly offering better sleep, self-care, and productivity,” he claimed.

An expert has issued a warning for anyone thinking of trying the 'bed stacking' trend (Getty Stock Image)

“However, bedtime stacking goes against traditional sleep advice that recommends prioritising the bed as a space solely for relaxation.”

Expert on bedtime stacking trend

When done properly, bedtime stacking can apparently improve sleep, support emotional wellbeing, and enhance efficiency, as per the expert.

“[It] can help create an intentional evening routine, encouraging mental and psychological well-being by allowing people to personalise their space and create a comforting wellness hub,” he added.

However, many Gen Z adopters aren’t putting their nighttime routines together properly, Seed warned.

If you use your laptop before bed or choose to read on an e-reader then you could be interfering with your body’s circadian rhythm.

“This can disrupt the body’s natural wind-down process and reduce sleep quality,” he reasoned.

You may improve your sleep hygeine by simplifying your routine (Getty Stock Image)

Seed has also warned that instead of being relaxing, the bedtime stacking trend cause intense fatigue and overwhelm when too many components are added.

“Attempting to stack too many habits at once can lead to the routine feeling overwhelming and stressful, causing mental fatigue. This can cause unnecessary mental strain and increase the likelihood of your routine being abandoned altogether,” he claimed.

Instead of building a full-blown routine, Seed advised focusing on a small number of relaxing habits instead.

This apparently would help support a healthy routine and promote better sleep hygiene.

How else to improve your sleep hygiene

As well as reducing your bedtime expectations, you can improve your sleep hygiene by keeping a consistent sleep scheule.

Going to sleep and waking up at around the same time every day can help you feel more productive during the day and reduce your risk of serious health problems down the road, as per Sleep.com.

Healthline also suggested exercising regularly, limiting caffeine intake, and eating a small meal before bed.