Mouth taping has once again become a popular bedtime trend on social media, as it was trending a few years ago.
The idea is to close your mouth at night to promote nasal breathing. Health benefits.
However, others warn of potential risks and suspicious consequences.
Couples who hug before sleep reap important health benefits, research reveals
The Seattle, Washington-based Sleep Foundation says the benefits of mouth taping are “almost anecdote” and there is little research to support the benefits.
“The main benefit of mouth taping is that it promotes nasal breathing. This can help filter and humidify the air, which can cause some individuals to snore and dry out the mouth.” Sleep expert Dr. Wendy Troxel – Senior Behavioral Specialist at RAND Corporation and a licensed clinical psychologist in Utah – told Fox News Digital.
Breathing through the nose helps people absorb more oxygen, according to Todd Anderson Sleep and Wellness Expert and founder of Dream Performance & Recovery in Nashville.
Anderson exhale most of the carbon dioxide in his body when he exhale from his mouth all night, but having CO2 in his system is beneficial.
Experts say 90% of Americans don’t sleep all night
“you Start exerciseyou are under stress and your CO2 will start to rise,” he told Fox News Digital.
“So the more carbon dioxide you use in your system, the more comfortable you are, the more you can adapt to body stress.”
Anderson said breathing is like a “handle” of the nervous system. Breathing through the nose It promotes longer breathing and relaxes the body.
“Your nose [also] It produces nitric oxide and breathes into the lungs. It will enlarge your blood vessels and relax you Cardiovascular system“He said, “From top to bottom, it calms your body. That’s why it affects sleep in such a positive way.”
Some argue that using this tape can provide a clearer jaw structure and protect dental health, Anderson pointed out that mouth breathing can lead to dryness and more sourness, which can break down tooth enamel.
Sleep expert Troxel said he approaches mouth taping with “a considerable caution,” as scientific evidence suggests its effectiveness is “limited.”
Heat exposure linked to better sleep, experts say – why is this
“Some people report low snoring and sleep, but most of these claims are anecdotal and not well supported by rigorous research using large, diverse samples,” she told Fox News Digital.
There is some “preliminary evidence” that mouth taping can reduce snoring in some sleep apnea patients, but Troxel noted that the overall effect is “conservative.”
She added that “there is no strong evidence” that taping of the mouth changes the shape of the jaw.
For those with nose congestion, blockage, or allergies, Troxel and Anderson agreed that mouth taping is not recommended as it can make breathing difficult at night.
“It could lead to this Feeling of anxiety And it destroyed sleep – and in some cases it could lower oxygen levels during sleep,” warned Troxel.
Click here to sign up for our health newsletter
One major concern is that using mouse tapes may delay or prevent people from receiving proper treatment for sleep apnea, she added.
Anderson was also recommended for mouth taping for people I’m overweightpeople who drink alcohol and other substances, and people who feel unwell.
Troxel encouraged people experiencing mouth breathing or snoring to consult with their health care providers to address the underlying issues.
“Treating the root cause is safer and more effective than shutting down,” she said.
Visit us for more health articles foxnews.com/health
“If not, Healthy and low risk If you don’t have sleep apnea and want to try taping your mouth, we recommend that you approach it with a scientific caution. ”
For those who decided to give it a try, Troxel suggested first testing the skin tape to check for irritation, use medical grade tapes, or consider slit tapes to avoid completely covering the mouth.
Anderson added that consumers need to consider where the mouth tape is made and which adhesive is used. Skin irritation Allergic reaction.
The Sleep Foundation warns on its website that side effects of mouth taping include difficulty breathing, skin irritation and anxiety.
Eat more fruits and vegetables related to their amazing effects on sleep
Using sleep trackers before and after mouth tape for a few weeks will help you measure how it works, Troxle advised.
“If you don’t see any improvement, that’s your answer. It may not be effective for you,” she said. “If you experience discomfort, always stop immediately Difficulty breathing. ”
According to Troxel, there are other ways to promote nasal breathing, including targeted exercises.
“Alternating nasal breathing and abdominal breathing during the day helps to train your body to breathe more naturally at night,” she said.
“It’s also a great strategy Manage stress Promotes relaxation. ”
