You’re putting your health at risk if you take advice from people on TikTok. If you’re not careful, a new sleeping tip taking over TikTok could make you suffocate in your sleep. Many TikTok users have been quick to adopt this new sleeping hack, proclaiming it a “lifesaver” when it comes to losing weight and getting better sleep. However, the reality is that this trick might make you fall asleep and never wake up again.
Dozens of TikTok influencers claim that taping your mouth shut at night can help you fall asleep faster, sleep better, and even lose weight. However, there is zero scientific evidence to support these claims. If you’re looking for ways to improve your sleep routine, there are many other proven methods out there – so save the duct tape for something else! If you tape your mouth shut when you sleep, be aware that it could lead to premature death if you cannot breathe through your nose for some reason.
Some TikTok users say that tapping their mouths shut before bedtime helps improve airflow and relax the body, which in turn reduces snoring. They contend that the method is especially helpful when someone’s snoring is loud enough to bother their sleeping partner. People claim that taping your mouth shut at night will help you sleep, but Dr. Raj Dasgupta, a sleep specialist from the University of Southern California claims it can actually lead to obstructed breathing and even suffocation.
Dr. Dasgupta stated that the hazard is more significant if you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea or require a CPAP machine for help. He explained that “if you have obstructive sleep apnea, yes, this can be very dangerous” people with this condition already stop breathing during sleep, which reduces oxygen to their brain. This can cause severe fatigue and even lead to a higher risk of heart disease and other life-threatening conditions.
Some people on TikTok have been claiming that taping your mouth shut at night can help increase your lifespan and slow down the aging process, but real doctors have debunked those claims and say that it could actually lead to premature death. It’s no wonder this TikTok trend has gone viral in America. With a promise to live longer and slow the aging process, millions of men and women are eager to give it a try. After all, who wouldn’t want something this easy?
Dr. Dasgupta told CNBC: “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.”
Although TikTok users say that they have more energy after seal their lips with tape before bed, the reality is that doing so puts them in danger of suffocating if their nose also gets blocked during sleep.
Dr. Megan Acho, a sleep specialist from the University of Michigan Health, also advised against the trend, saying: “Importantly, if you have nasal congestion or a deviated nasal septum, you could potentially limit airflow if you tape your mouth. This is one reason why we would definitely recommend avoiding mouth taping in people with a known nasal disease and in children.”
You’re better off avoiding this TikTok trend.
