Dangerous Sleep Aid Strategies from TikTok
The world of sleep optimization, or "Sleepmaxxing," is gaining traction on platforms like TikTok, with influencers promoting various methods to improve sleep quality. However, experts warn that some of these trends could do more harm than good, particularly for individuals with real sleep problems.
Two popular practices within the Sleepmaxxing trend, "Mouth Taping" and "Neck Swinging," have raised concerns due to their potential risks and lack of scientific support.
Mouth Taping, which involves taping the mouth shut at night with a specially developed patch, has no strong scientific backing and could be dangerous for those with conditions like sleep apnea that disrupt breathing during sleep. In fact, at least one death has been reported in connection with Neck Swinging, a practice that involves hanging oneself with a padded belt under the chin and neck and swinging the body back and forth.
Both Neck Swinging and Mouth Taping can exacerbate existing sleep problems and pose physical risks. Beyond these specific practices, the broader trend contributes to orthosomnia, an anxiety-driven obsession with achieving perfect sleep, which paradoxically worsens sleep quality due to stress and pressure to control sleep perfectly.
Many advice pieces within the trend, such as wearing colored glasses, using weighted blankets, or consuming certain foods before bed, often lack rigorous medical evidence and should be treated skeptically. While prioritizing good sleep is vital, extreme or unverified hacks pose risks and can increase anxiety rather than improve sleep.
Dr. Specht and British sleep expert Kathryn Pinkham emphasize the importance of proven sleep hygiene practices, such as consistent sleep schedules, dark and cool rooms, and reduced blue light exposure, over following social media shortcuts. For individuals with persistent sleep problems, it's crucial to consult healthcare providers instead of relying on unregulated trends that may worsen health.
In summary, Mouth Taping and Neck Swinging should be approached with caution due to their potential risks and lack of scientific support. The broader trend of Sleepmaxxing contributes to increased anxiety, misinformation, and physical harm. Experts advise focusing on evidence-based sleep hygiene practices and professional consultation, rather than viral hacks. As Pinkham puts it, the more one tries to control sleep with tricks or rigid routines, the more alert and stressed one becomes.
Education about the potential risks and scientific support for sleep optimization practices, such as Mouth Taping and Neck Swinging, is crucial in the health-and-wellness and mental-health arenas. Instead of relying on unregulated trends that may cause harm, it's important to prioritize evidence-based sleep hygiene practices and consult healthcare providers for persistent sleep problems.
