A viral sleep trend raising red flags
Experts are urging people to think twice before trying a popular sleep trend that has taken off online, warning that it may not help at all and could even be dangerous.
Struggling to sleep is nothing new, whether it is caused by late-night phone use, stress, or the many worries that seem to creep in once the lights go out.
But doctors say this particular trend, which has been promoted as a quick fix for better rest, carries risks that many people may not be considering.
Why snoring drives people to try extremes
One of the most common complaints about sleep involves snoring, especially when it affects a partner sharing the bed.
People have tried countless methods to reduce snoring over the years, ranging from nasal strips to changing sleep positions.
The latest approach gaining attention online, however, has raised concerns among medical professionals.
What is mouth taping?
The trend is known as mouth taping, and it involves placing tape over the mouth before sleep to encourage breathing through the nose.
The idea has spread widely on social media platforms like TikTok, where users claim it improves sleep quality and reduces snoring.
However, experts say it does not take much thought to realize how taping your mouth shut while asleep could become dangerous.
The theory behind the trend
Supporters of mouth taping argue that nasal breathing is healthier than mouth breathing during sleep.
By forcing the body to rely on the nose for airflow, they claim it can reduce snoring and improve oxygen intake.
Doctors stress that this theory ignores important medical factors that vary from person to person.
Medical warnings from sleep specialists
Paediatric sleep specialist Brian Chen, MD, addressed the trend in a blog post for Cleveland Clinic.
He explained that mouth taping should be avoided by anyone with heart conditions, chronic allergies, nasal congestion or obstruction, enlarged tonsils, or a deviated septum.
Dr. Chen warned: “For individuals already struggling with conditions like nasal obstruction or chronic allergies, mouth taping introduces an unacceptable level of risk.”
Potential breathing and oxygen risks
“Having your mouth taped closed forces you to rely on only your nose for air, potentially leading to severe respiratory distress, significant drops in oxygen levels and exacerbation of underlying health issues during sleep.”
Another major concern raised by experts is the lack of solid proof that mouth taping actually reduces snoring or improves sleep.
“Most of the evidence is anecdotal,” Dr. Chen said.
