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EXPLORE FURTHER: The reality behind mouth tape—specialists caution against potential risks
Specialists have sounded the warning about the popular sleep fad where people tape their mouths closed to promote deeper respiration and consequently improve their quality of sleep.
Although the trend might have become popular among celebrities like
Gwyneth Paltrow
and
Tess Daly
, it robs wearers of
Life-sustaining oxygen unexpectedly discovered by Canadian experts.
Through analyzing ten research papers on this practice, researchers from the Lawson Health Research Institute uncovered a concerning danger of life-threatening asphyxiation affecting millions who prefer breathing through their mouths.
This frequently occurs in individuals who have allergies or even a simple cold or stuffy nose, where the nasal pathways become obstructed.
The four studies examined by the researchers provided evidence of the lethal danger posed by suffocation, commonly referred to as asphyxiation, indicating that the body lacks sufficient oxygen.
Furthermore, the analysis indicated that this trend proved ineffective for alleviating snoring or sleep apnea.
“Mouth taping has become a modern trend frequently endorsed by celebrities, though it may lack scientific accuracy,” says Dr. Brian Rotenberg, an ear, nose, and throat specialist as well as the author of the book.
study
, explained.
‘ numerous individuals are unsuitable for mouth taping, and in certain situations, it may pose risks of significant health hazards.’
Mouth taping entails attaching adhesive tape over the lips to close the mouth when sleeping, which compels the person to breathe through their nose instead.
As supporters of this practice argue, these effects contribute to the observed advantages since snoring usually stems from tongue vibrations occurring when individuals breathe via their mouths.
Advocates further argue that breathing through your nose may aid in safeguarding against germs, as it
activates the creation of a substance known as nitric oxide, serving as a protective response to germs we breathe in.
It has also been demonstrated that nitric oxide can help dilate blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and even enhance kidney function.
Nevertheless, researchers discovered that in 80 percent of the studies, there was no indication that mouth taping effectively addressed mouth breathing or snoring during the night.
Only two of the studies indicated that individuals suffering from mild obstructive sleep apnea might experience some minor benefits from the technique.
This widespread issue, impacting approximately 1.5 million individuals in the UK, happens when the muscles at the back of the throat become overly relaxed, causing the airways to narrow or even shut completely during sleep, thus obstructing breathing.
This may disrupt breathing, leading to sudden awakenings for people affected during the night and has been associated with a higher chance of developing heart disease and dementia.
The most worrying aspect was the danger posed by
asphyxiation, the researchers said.
Those who suffer from rhinitis—caused by irritation inside the nose leading to blockage or a runny nose—as well as allergies, or those with a deviated septum, were cautioned about potential breathing problems when using mouth tape.
Based on this evidence, Dr. Rotenberg and his team are convinced that current research does not back up mouth taping as an effective solution for treating snoring or sleep apnea.
The researchers point out, however, that additional studies are necessary to determine if mouth-taping offers other health advantages.
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