In a video posted by a Tik Tok user, they outline the benefits of taping your mouth before you go to bed.
The Tik Tok user in question is also a Dr who goes by the name of Dr Chris Winter. According to Dr Chris, using this technique called mouth taping can help you sleep better and avoid snoring. However, this trick, which has more than 34 million views on Tik Tok, does not present some health risks.
According to the Tik Tok user, breathing only through the nose supposedly makes for more restful sleep while limiting snoring. Moreover, some also claim that nasal breathing reduces anxiety, while also making you look more fresh-faced and boosting energy levels.
This tip is inspired by a primary observation, that humans should breathe mainly through the nose. Mouth breathing can lead to infections. Bacteria can get in and cause cavities, for example, infecting the gums. In addition, the tonsils can swell, as they are not equipped to effectively filter the air breathed in through the mouth.
However, everything on social media should be taken in and used wisely according to health specialists. This trick can, in fact, cause choking (especially for those who have difficulty breathing through their nose), promote the appearance of sleep apnea, and cause insomnia or other sleep disturbances. Not to mention possible skin irritation issues caused by tape stuck directly on the lips or around the mouth.
According to another TikToker Dr. Doireann O’Leary, all those who experience difficulties with snoring or night-time breathing should follow other solutions, such as using nasal spray to unblock the nose, or sleeping on your side. To get back into the habit of good breathing, practicing meditation or yoga can help. However, if problems persist, specialist medical advice should be sought.
@sleep_dot_com #question from @sleep_dot_com : What’s the deal with the #mouthtaping for better sleep trend? Is it safe? 😴@W. Chris Winter, MD answers all of your #mouthtape for sleep questions! #sleeptips #sleepscience #fyp
Also see: Your health related questions answered
