Controversial Method for Good Sleep Conquers Social Media

Could taping your mouth overnight be the key to deeper sleep, better well-being and a calmer mind? Mouth taping – an inconspicuous wellness ritual – is gaining popularity on the one hand, but on the other, it is controversial.

Peace, regeneration and deep, good sleep are luxuries that not everyone can afford. In recent months, an inconspicuous but intriguing "ritual" has gained special attention: mouth taping , or taping the mouth shut at night . Although it sounds a bit controversial, the practice quickly gained recognition among healthy lifestyle enthusiasts - from Instagram influencers to Hollywood stars. Supporters of the trend assure us that it is a conscious return to the basics - breathing, which can improve sleep, well-being and health.

Mouth Tape, Skinny Confidential mouth tape / Skinny Confidential advertising campaign

Mouth taping involves the use of hypoallergenic tape or stickers that gently hold the mouth closed overnight , supporting nasal breathing . Taping the mouth overnight is not intended to restrict freedom, but to remind the body of its natural rhythm. Nasal breathing is completely natural.

Studies show that mouth breathing , especially during sleep , can lead to snoring, dry throat, fatigue, and even sleep disorders. Experts suggest that constant mouth breathing can also affect posture or facial tension, and thus jaw deformities.

- When children breathe through their mouths, it is usually due to some kind of obstruction in the nose or airway, such as a stuffy nose, allergies, or enlarged pharyngeal tonsils. Constant mouth breathing can lead to orthodontic problems, such as improper jaw development and crowded teeth, points out Dr. Luisa Bazan, sleep specialist at Henry Ford Health on the official Henry Ford Health website.

In Eastern cultures, breathing has always been treated as a source of energy and harmony. Modern science confirms: nasal breathing supports the production of nitric oxide , improves the oxygenation of the body, supports concentration and heart function. What's more, it filters the air from allergens, regulates temperature and humidity.

Wellness editor Emilie Lavinia of Independent UK, who tested mouth taping for 3 weeks, was initially a bit skeptical… no wonder. But the final results exceeded her expectations. What did the experiment give her? Better sleep, fewer nighttime awakenings, deeper breathing and an inner sense of peace.

What do doctors say about this?

- There is no solid evidence to support the effectiveness of nighttime mouth tape. In fact, one study found that people still breathe through their mouths even with tape. Before you reach for the tape to seal your mouth, it is important to understand the cause of nighttime mouth breathing, says Dr. Luisa Bazan, a sleep specialist at Henry Ford Health.