TikTok sleep hack with more than 19 million views divides the internet: 'There's just no way'

TikTok is full of useful tips and tricks for all of life's little inconveniences and there is surely nothing more inconvenient or infuriating than being unable to sleep (parents, you totally feel me right?). It's unsurprising, therefore, that the sleep hashtag on TikTok has over 3 million posts with creators suggesting everything from ditching the melatonin to using brown noise and eating almonds before bed.

Now, in a video that has racked up over 19 million views, TikToker Callie Galey has shared a pretty unconventional way to get your zzz's on - and all you need is a hoodie.

'I don't know how to explain it'

"I've getting the best sleep of my life for four nights now," Callie says. "I'm going to show you how I've hacked the system. So all you need is the sweatshirt. Here's what I like to do."

She then proceeds to fold the jumper in question in half, letting the sleeves hang down before wrapping the body of the hoodie around her head.

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"Once you get on your pillow, grab the arm sleeves and wrap them around your face," she explains. "So you will look like this when you go to sleep at night. I have been getting the best sleep of my life ever. It's so comfortable.

"I don't know how to explain it but it works wonders. So do that."

Why are we so tired?

It's no wonder the video has been viewed so many times given how much of an issue sleep can be for so many. In fact, according to a sleep census conducted by Sealy Posturepedic, 86% of Aussies surveyed said that they experience issues getting to sleep or staying asleep each night and only 6% claim to wake up well-rested most mornings.

And, it was the younger population who reported feeling the effects of lack of sleep the most, with 90% of younger Aussies admitting to experiencing sleep problems - which could explain why so many of them are turning to TikTok for answers.

Indeed, despite Callie's unusual method, her followers were quick to jump in to share their excitement at the possibility of getting a decent kip through doing something so simple.

'So insane but I am 100% trying it'

"I have been sleeping so terribly I’ll literally try anything at this point," one (presumably very tired) person wrote.

"This looks so insane but I am 100% trying it tonight," someone else wrote.

Another simply said, "Thank you I needed this."

"Omg girl!!! you need to make a prototype and patent this! I’m telling you I was looking for something like this to buy but it doesn’t exist!!!," enthused someone else in a baffling comment that seemed to overlook the fact that sweatshirts do, in fact, exist.

However, sleep expert Shea Morrison cautions against people getting too excited by the hack, telling Yahoo Lifestyle that "there isn’t substantial scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of this method".

"I often explain to people that sleep preferences and conditions vary among individual, and what works for one person may not work for another," says Shea.

So, why did this particular trick work for Callie?

"The theory behind this hack suggests that wearing a sweater raises your body temperature, leading to vasodilation (the widening of blood vessels), which may mimic the body’s natural cooling process before sleep," Shea explains.

'Totally panicked and screamed'

Amongst all of the praise, naturally, there were also a few people shedding doubts on if the hack would work for them.

"There is just no way hahahaha," someone cheerfully offered.

"Did this, waking up I forgot I was wearing it," another person warned."Totally panicked and screamed while my dog try to figure out whats happening."

"This would make me feel panicked and suffocated for some reason," someone else said rather reasonably.

Is it safe?

Shea also questions the safety of such a hack warning that there are a few considerations to keep in mind.

"Overheating during sleep can disrupt your rest and potentially lead to discomfort or increase certain conditions like night sweats or hot flushes," she told Yahoo Lifestyle. "And, if the sweatshirt is made from material that doesn’t breathe, it could interfere with your ability to regulate body temperature, leading to potential sleep disturbances.

"Lastly, the positioning – the video suggests that you don’t have a lot of ability to move your head or body position which could not only be dangerous for your neck and spine but for people with conditions like snoring and mouth breathing, could exacerbate this even more."

Given that the Sealy Posturepedic Sleep Census revealed that side sleeping is the most preferred position, it makes sense that this particular sleep trick may not work for the vast majority of people.

"I get scared if I can’t see everything around me at all times," added another person - seemingly oblivious to the fact that when one is asleep they can't see anything anyway.

However, it seems Callie is not the only one who finds this way of sleeping comforting with plenty of other viewers sharing their unusual nap habits too.

How to get a good night's sleep

"I sleep with a sleep mask, a pillow on my face, a pillow on my side an one on my waist. Blanket up to the mouth only my nose is out. If I don’t, I'm unable to sleep," someone wrote.

Another shared, "I achieve this too but with my blanket. Been doing it since I'm in college. It's the best way to sleep! 100% recommend!."

"That is almost exactly how I sleep," a different follower wrote.

However, Shea cautions that there are more effective - and scientifically backed - ways to achieve better sleep.

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"One effective approach is to establish a consistent bedtime routine that signals to your body it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep," she says. "This routine can include – dimming the lights at least an hour before bed, practicing relaxation techniques like gentle stretching or reading a book."

Shea also suggests using an eye mask to block out light and signal to your brain that it’s time for rest, and incorporating mindfulness practices such as meditation or guided imagery to alleviate stress and promote relaxation.

Says Shea, "By prioritising these evidence-based strategies, individuals can optimise their sleep hygiene and achieve more restful and rejuvenating sleep without relying on potentially unreliable or unproven methods."

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