- Mouth taping, or sealing your mouth with tape while sleeping, is a viral trend that is spreading on TikTok despite warnings from experts.
- Numerous studies point to a lack of clear benefits and point to potential risks such as suffocation, irritation, or worsening of respiratory disorders.
- The search for quick fixes to sleep better or improve physical appearance can lead to the spread of practices that are not medically supported.
- Experts advise prioritizing scientific evidence and consulting professionals before adopting wellness trends emerging online.
In the last months, TikTok has once again put the spotlight on viral wellness practices that have raised concerns among doctors and health specialists. Among the challenges that have most rapidly gained followers is the mouth taping, or seal your mouth with tape to sleepThose who spread these videos claim that they help you sleep better, reduce snoring, and even have a more defined face, but experts warn of the real risks that can come with following these trends without supervision.
What is mouth taping and why has it gone viral?
Social media has transformed the way health, self-care and beauty trends are spread, and It is increasingly common for a simple viral video to define nighttime habits for thousands of people. However, Behind what seems like a simple solution, dangers are hidden. that go unnoticed due to the lack of medical and scientific control.
Mouth taping involves placing an adhesive strip over your lips when you lie down, forcing you to breathe only through your nose. Influencers and wellness-focused communities, as well as some celebrities, have fueled this trend with testimonials that speak of supposed improvements in sleep quality, a less dry mouth, and even aesthetic benefits such as a more defined jawline.
This promise of sleeping through the night and waking up feeling more energetic has led to the technique's rapid popularity on platforms like TikTok, where algorithms reward eye-catching and aesthetically pleasing content, often without any medical evidence to support it.
What science says: benefit or danger?
Several expert groups have thoroughly reviewed the scientific literature to analyze the true extent of mouth taping. A recent study published in the journal PLOS ONE summarized the results of 10 studies involving 213 people and concluded that no solid benefits have been demonstrated nor significant improvements in sleep quality. Only slight improvements were detected in people with mild sleep apnea, but not enough to recommend the technique as a therapy.
The main danger identified by science is the risk of nocturnal suffocation., especially in people with nasal congestion, allergies, polyps, a deviated septum, or even swollen tonsils. Those who can't breathe properly through their nose can end up with both airways blocked and suffer from oxygen deprivation.
Other risks detected: oral health, anxiety and skin reactions
In addition to the dreaded respiratory risk, Using adhesive tapes not designed for skin can cause irritation, allergic reactions, choking, and anxiety.Even if you regurgitate during the night, there is a risk of choking if your mouth is sealed.
Major sleep medicine societies, such as the American Sleep Society, insist that Nasal breathing is generally healthier, but that does not make mouth taping a safe or effective alternative.
The social face of viral trends: aesthetic pressure and misinformation
The appeal of these challenges lies in the promise of instant tricks to feel better or improve your appearance. In communities like 'looksmaxxing', the obsession with optimizing one's physique leads to trying methods without medical support., often with underestimated risks.
The most striking videos are more widely shared, and many users, especially young people, replicate behaviors without considering the potential consequences. The pursuit of beauty or well-being sometimes overshadows the importance of consulting professionals and accessing reliable information.
What to do if you notice yourself breathing through your mouth at night
Using tape on your mouth while sleeping should never be the first option.If you have trouble sleeping or suspect you're breathing through your mouth, it's a good idea to consult a doctor. Otolaryngology and sleep medicine specialists can assess nasal congestion, apnea, or any other treatable disorder in a safe and personalized manner.
Some scientifically backed solutions are treatments for rhinitis or sinusitis, the use of nasal dilators, correction of the nasal septum if it is deviated or CPAP devices for sleep apnea.
Viral trends can make almost any habit popular, but When it comes to health, caution is keyThe practice of mouth taping is just one example of how online popularity doesn't always guarantee safety or medical efficacy. It's essential to be well-informed and consult a professional before risking your health by following a viral challenge.
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