TikTok It is the fastest growing social network in recent years. That is why many content creators have taken advantage of it to gain followers and recognition, despite the fact that they motivate users to perform actions that are not always ideal.
The latest trend is called ‘Mouth-taping’ un viral act within the platform that was born under the “advice” of use a duct tape on the lips to achieve a restful sleep at night.
Even influencers from the health sector have participated in this particular trend, as is the case of the nutritionist, Cory Rodriguez, who published a video recommending this trend, obtaining more than 190 thousand reproductions, 6500 likes and 240 comments.
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Medical warning about this challenge on TikTok
Despite the great popularity of videos recommending this type of practice, the reality is that many scientists are in total disagreement with the possibility of covering the mouth with adhesive tape to sleep.
“This is one of the most dangerous trends I’ve heard about in some time, and I’m quite concerned that it’s being championed as a ‘health’ trend,” said Dr. David Culpepper, a Lexington-based general practitioner, Kentucky, to FoxNewsDigital. “Simply put, intentionally obstructing your airway during sleep is a terrible idea.”
On the other hand, a study of Dream Foundation notes that “anecdotally, people report that taping the mouth relieves a variety of problems, including snoring, fatigue, concentration problems, bad breath, and excessive thirst at night. But most of these claims have not been scientifically studied.”
James Wilson, known in his networks as the “Dream Geek”, told the American media Newsweek that people with sleep apnea, could exacerbate your health problems by taping. “Taping your mouth over your mouth will worsen your health and could contribute to more serious problems like heart disease, COPD and stroke,” Wilson said, “particularly if it’s applied and you’re a sleep apnea sufferer.”