Ah, the blissful sensation of waking up after a solid night’s sleep, feeling refreshed and ready to tackle a new day. Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, this isn’t the reality for everyone. In fact, about 30% of adults struggle with insomnia, and nearly one in five Americans finds it difficult to fall back asleep. If you’re sleep-deprived or simply looking to try something new, you might want to explore the "cocoon" sleep hack trend that many people swear by for a more restful and productive night’s sleep.
When your bedtime routine needs a refresh, TikTok often comes to the rescue with a wealth of tips, tricks, and hacks. The cocoon sleep hack is one of the latest trends gaining popularity on the platform—and for good reason.
What exactly is the 'Cocoon' Sleep Hack?
The "cocoon" sleep hack involves transforming your sleep environment into a cozy, cocoon-like retreat using ultra-comfortable pillows and blankets. This setup is designed to calm your nervous system, promoting a more peaceful and restful night’s sleep.
Dorsey Standish, MS, a mechanical engineer, neuroscientist, wellness expert, and CEO of Mastermind Meditate, explains, "Feeling supported by a nest of pillows and blankets helps your body relax by stimulating the vagus nerve, which is part of the parasympathetic ('rest and digest') nervous system. This deep relaxation can also lead to reduced stress and anxiety levels before bed, fostering deeper, more restorative sleep."
Many people create this comforting oasis with a mix of plush bedding, weighted blankets, and multiple supportive pillows. According to the Sleep Foundation, weighted blankets are especially effective at providing a "swaddled" feeling, which can help alleviate anxiety, stress, and insomnia.
People Are Raving About the Cocoon Sleep Hack for Better Sleep
TikTok user Maggie Perkins shared in a video that her cozy, cocoon-like sleep setup is "my absolute favorite way to fall asleep." Her tip quickly gained popularity, racking up over half a million views. Perkins detailed her method in the caption, saying, "This really is the best way to be comfortable in a hotel bed. I take the heavy blankets from one bed and pile them onto the other. Then, I create a cocoon using all the pillows. I keep the air conditioning at 65 degrees and run the fan on low."
In another video, Perkins emphasized that this "vagus support cocoon" leads to the "best sleep you'll ever get."
Dorsey Standish also shared her own cocoon sleep hack routine, saying, "I 'cocoon' by burrowing under the covers, using pillows to support my knees, wrapping a soft blanket around my face, and snuggling with my dog to maximize comfort and support. (My wife isn’t too thrilled with how much space this takes up in the bed, haha!)"