Slide under the duvet, a piece of sparadrap on the lips, and falls asleep, breathing only by the nose. The scene can make you smile, but it is taken very seriously by influencers, celebrities and even athletes, like the Norwegian footballer Erling Haaland. This night habit, which has generated millions of views on Tiktok since the summer of 2022, has a name: the “Mouth Taping”. It is given many virtues, ranging from the reduction of snoring to better oxygenation, including a fresher complexion. A miracle solution, simple and accessible. Finally, apparently.
On the side of the scientific community, the tone is much more reserved. A team of Canadian researchers looked into this practice in order to scientifically assess the effects. Their study, published in the very serious review Plos Onecompiles and analyzes the results of 86 previous research. Among them, ten were subject to in -depth examination, representing clinical data of 213 patients. Objective: to sort through the beliefs conveyed online and concrete medical evidence.
Nothing allows for the time to confirm the valued benefits of “Mouth Taping”. Worse, this practice could cause harmful effects, especially in people with sleep apnea. By blocking oral breathing, the ribbon can accentuate apnea and dangerously drop the oxygen level in the blood, especially in the event of a congestioned nose. “”People (concerned) aggravate their symptoms without knowing it and “expose themselves to an increased risk of serious complications, such as heart disease“Explains Professor Brian Rotenberg, co -author of the study, in a press release.
What worries the scientific community most is the speed at which this trend is spreading, without medical validation. The act of scoring your mouth before going to sleep can be perceived as a harmless gesture while it presents real risks. The researchers therefore call for caution and recall that in the face of the pseudo-consulting well-being broadcast online, only medical expertise must be proof. “”We must make health decisions based on solid scientific evidence“, insists Jess Rhee, who also participated in this study.
In short, before giving in to the beautiful promises of viral trends, it is better to consult a health professional. Because a quality sleep does not tinker with a sparadrap. He simply treats himself.