Forget waking up at dawn: Young Koreans are embracing 'sleep maxxing'

Forget waking up before dawn to squeeze in another hour of self-improvement. For a growing number of young Koreans, getting ahead now means getting better sleep. The "miracle morning" trend, which encouraged people to wake up early and devote the extra hours to exercise, studying and other forms of self-development, once swept through Korea. Now, a contrasting wellness trend known as "sleep maxxing" is drawing attention among younger generations. The term combines "sleep" with "maxxing," internet slang for maximizing or optimizing something. Rather than simply trying to sleep longer, followers seek to improve sleep quality by systematically adjusting everything from daily habits to their bedroom environment. Kang, a 30-year-old office worker, is among those willing to spend money in pursuit of a better night's sleep. A smartwatch tracks total sleep time and the proportion of deep sleep, while supplements are part of a routine aimed at relaxation. A sleep mask and earplugs have also become bedtime essentials. "There were many days when I was exhausted but couldn't actually fall asleep onc