Sleeping with mouth tape , a seemingly unconventional approach, is gaining popularity among biohackers , athletes, and various celebrities who claim it could be the key to better sleep and overall health. In this article, we explore the functions, benefits, and potential risks of sleeping with mouth tape, and why some people consider taping their mouths shut for a good night's sleep.
How does mouth tape work?
The idea behind mouth tape is simple: during sleep, the mouth is taped, forcing one to breathe through the nose. During the day, we often consciously breathe through the nose, but at night we have less control over this. Mouth tape tries to correct this pattern by stimulating nasal breathing.
Benefits of Mouth Tape
Several benefits are attributed to the use of mouth tape. Users claim to sleep better, experience lower blood pressure, filter allergens, reduce tension and anxiety, and even prevent dental problems by preventing dry mouth while sleeping. However, the most common benefit that users claim to gain from using mouth tape is to stop snoring .
Why nose breathing while sleeping?
Nose breathing has proven benefits. The nose acts as a natural filter, humidifier and warms the inhaled air, reducing harmful particles. It also stimulates the production of nitric oxide, which supports lung function and dilates blood vessels for efficient oxygen uptake. Research also shows that mouth breathing, especially in children, can affect the development of the facial skeleton and teeth.
How to use mouth tape?
Using mouth tape is relatively simple, with a piece of tape simply placed over the mouth before going to bed. There are several types of tape available, ranging from regular tapes to special mouth tapes with openings to allow for mouth breathing in an emergency.
Mouth tape is not suitable for everyone
Despite the claimed benefits and positive experiences, there are warnings from medical professionals. The use of mouth tape can interfere with natural breathing processes, especially the release of accumulated carbon dioxide. Therefore, it is not recommended for CPAP users or people with sleep apnea to use mouth tape. However, if considering using mouth tape, it is advisable to consult a doctor before using it.
In conclusion, while mouth tape is a fascinating trend with purported benefits, people should exercise caution and weigh the potential risks before literally taping their mouth shut for a good night's sleep. Its effectiveness and safety are not yet fully supported by scientific evidence, and individual experiences can vary widely.
