A recent trend is taking over social media where TikTok influencers claim that taping your mouth trains your brain to breathe through your nose. This trend promises better sleep but doctors have claimed this ‘mouth-taping’ trend which has become viral on TikTok to be dangerous. The short videos in which users explain how to follow this trend have millions of views. Experts also say this trend will be popular among all other social media platforms in no time and have warned everyone about it.
The risk this trend brings includes obstructed breathing, worsening of sleep apnea, and its risk factors
The viewers of this trend are also putting this trend into action for stopping snoring. But experts have claimed this trend to be risky. They say the risk this trend brings includes obstructed breathing, worsening of sleep apnea and its risk factors, irritation from or allergic reactions to the tape, and sleep disruption.
If a person has obstructive sleep apnea, this can be very dangerous
Sometimes it’s vital to keep your mouth open while sleeping. For example, in case of nasal congestion, it helps people breathe. And if a person has obstructive sleep apnea, this can be very “dangerous”, sleep specialist Dr. Raj Dasgupta, an associate professor of clinical medicine at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, told CNN.
“There is limited evidence on the benefits of mouth taping and I would be very careful – and even talk to your health care provider before attempting it,” Dr. Dasgupta added. He also added that if someone is compelled to try the idea of mouth-taping, they should be tested for obstructive sleep apnea first.
