‘Miracle' sleep hack loved by Erling Haaland and Gwyneth Paltrow poses ‘serious health harm', scientists warn
A POPULAR sleep trend that's taken social media by storm and loved by celebs "could suffocate and kill you", scientists warn.
Mouth taping is an increasingly popular home treatment used to encourage nose breathing during sleep.
3
Manchester City's Erling Haaland shared he used mouth tape as part of his sleep and training routine
Credit: Getty
3
Actress Gwyneth Paltrow has said mouth taping promotes good quality sleep
Credit: Getty
It's claimed the practice can help a number of issues from snoring to bad breath.
And a whole bunch of celebs can't get enough of it.
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland includes mouth taping as part of his sleep and training routine.
In a chat with Logan Paul on the 'Impaulsive' podcast, he explained: "I think sleep is the most important thing in the world. You should try and tape your mouth shut close at night."
Actress Gwyneth Paltrow, known for her unique approach to health and wellness, has also jumped on the mouth taping band wagon.
In November 2022, she took to her Instagram to recommend the mouth taping brand she uses, saying: "This is probably the single best wellness tool I have found recently. Breathing through your nose at night apparently creates alkalinity in the body and promotes best quality sleep."
Model Ashley Graham, US talk show host Jimmy Fallon, and Virgin Radio host Chris Evans are also fans of the sleep hack.
But an evaluation of 10 previously published studies suggests the recent fad may have little benefit and could pose serious asphyxiation risks.
As the safety and effectiveness of nighttime mouth taping has actually been unclear up until this point, Dr Brian Rotenberg of Western University in London, Ontario, Canada and colleagues at St Joseph's Health Care London and London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute reviewed studies that have explored the practice.
Their analysis included 10 studies that employed different research methods to evaluate the potential benefits of sealing the mouth shut - using tape or other devices, such as chin straps - for a total of 213 patients.
I want to freeze ageing at 27 but trolls ask who'd go to bed with me
Out of the 10 studies, two suggested mouth taping may be associated with a slight improvement in apnea-hyopopnea index - a measure of sleep apnoea severity.
But other studies found no evidence mouth taping might help treat mouth breathing, sleep-disordered breathing, or sleep apnoea.
Four of the 10 studies discussed the potential serious risk of asphyxiation posed by sealing the mouth shut during sleep, particularly for those with serious restriction or blockage of nasal airways.
Serious nasal obstruction could result from conditions such as hay fever, chronic rhinitis, deviated septum, sinonasal disease, or englarged tonsils.
The authors concluded existing evidence doesn't support nighttime mouth taping as a treatment for sleep-disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnoea.
But they did note further research is needed.
3
But scientists have warned of a potential risk of asphyxiation from the sleep hack
Credit: Getty
They wrote: "Mouth taping is a contemporary practice that is often celebrity-endorsed, but is not necessarily scientifically accurate.
"Many people are not appropriate for mouth taping, and in some cases it can lead to risk of serious health harm.'
Alternatives to mouth taping for encouraging nasal breathing during sleep include nasal strips, decongestants, saline flushes, and CPAP machines.
But consulting your GP about encouraging nasal breathing is wise.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
an hour ago
- Wales Online
Celeb nutritionist shares 5 handy food rules to combat tummy trouble this Summer
Celeb nutritionist shares 5 handy food rules to combat tummy trouble this Summer Whether it's a city break, beach holiday, or staycation, there's one thing that can really ruin your trip away - and that's a dodgy tummy. But one expert may have the answer This summer, five key nutrition rules could help you avoid tummy troubles abroad (Image: Getty ) With June officially upon us and the summer holidays just weeks away, an increasing number of us are beginning to contemplate our holiday plans. Whether it's discovering the domestic wonders of the British Isles, enjoying a taste of European allure on a mini city-break, or jetting off for a longer stay on a sun-drenched beach - one thing is certain, you won't want a troublesome tummy ruining your plans. Digestive issues reportedly affect between 30% and 70% of holidaymakers each year, depending on which study you refer to. This suggests that while it may be embarrassing to be confined to the loo, suffering from cramps, or battling with nausea, you're certainly not alone if you've ever been struck down whilst trying to enjoy a holiday. So why do people fall ill and what can they do to prevent it? Travel itself is one of the main factors contributing to illness when going abroad, particularly when crossing multiple time zones. This can disrupt your body's natural circadian rhythm, affecting everything from sleep to digestion and even hormone production, reports the Express. Travelling across timezones can disrupt our circadian rhythm leading to sickness (Image: Getty ) This means you might struggle to fall asleep, wake up feeling fatigued, experience digestive problems, or suffer from mood swings - all things that can dampen the joy of a much-anticipated holiday. And it's not just major changes that can cause issues, but a combination of minor alterations that can wreak havoc on your health, according to Women's Health. Celebrity nutritionist and author Gabriela Peacock has shed light on the importance of maintaining a routine, stating: "Even just shifting your routine, such as eating at odd times, sleeping less, or sitting for long periods, can cause imbalances. I always tell my clients: your body thrives on rhythm. "So, while travel naturally brings some chaos, anchoring your day with simple routines, like waking and eating at consistent times, staying hydrated, and getting sunlight early in the day, can help reset your internal clock." So how can we tackle this issue? Gabriela suggests several key strategies to prevent an upset stomach while travelling, including walking after meals, drinking plenty of water, and incorporating fibre into your diet early in the day. She also advises drinking filtered water where possible and enhancing gut health with a probiotic. However, it's her five essential nutritional guidelines that truly make a difference and can bring joy back to any holidaymaker's face this summer season. Start with protein It only seems fitting to start Gabriela's recommendations with the most important meal of the day - and that's breakfast. She recommends starting off with a healthy dose of protein in the morning, such as eggs, avocado, or Greek yoghurt with berries. Stay hydrated Hydration also plays a key part in avoiding tummy trouble (Image: Getty ) In hot climates it may seem like a no-brainer, but closer to home we're often guilty of neglecting our water intake. Gabriela recommends staying hydrated, particularly during and after long flights, and even suggests boosting electrolytes with a pinch of Celtic sea salt or pre-packaged sachets to ensure your body is in tip-top shape for the day ahead. Don't skip meals When away from home there can sometimes be a tendency to skip meals while trying to cram everything into a day, but this a huge no-no, according to Gabriela as skipping meals often backfires later with sugar crashes or overeating. Instead, she recommends eating regular balanced meals to help keep blood sugar stable. Snacks are a godsend If you don't fancy tucking into a solid meal, snacks can be a good alternative option particularly if you pick healthy choices that pack a protein punch. ' I always travel with some nuts, a protein bar, or sachets of protein powder so I'm never caught off guard,' explained Peacock. ' You can get great cured meats in Europe too – which act as a great high-protein snack!' Don't be afraid to try local food When travelling, don't be afraid to indulge in local cuisine while you're experiencing a new place. Whether that's a delicious Akee and Saltfish in Jamaica, a dreamy Linguine in Italy, or a Sukiyaki hotpot in Japan, experiencing the different flavours and delicacies while abroad can add a huge new sensory element to your getaway. Article continues below However, while Gabriela highly encourages tucking in, she does add that you should monitor your own body, and try not to eat too heavily for several days in a row to avoid any unfortunate mishaps.
Scottish Sun
6 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
HAIR THIS I'm ‘obsessed' with an £8 Amazon buy for hair growth – it reversed my post-partum hair loss in weeks
SHOPPERS are raving about an £8 Amazon buy for hair growth which could help reverse post-partum hair loss. While postpartum hair loss is a common side effect of pregnancy, it makes many women feel insecure. 2 The oil can be picked up for £7.33 Credit: Getty 2 Shoppers have been raving about the hair oil Credit: Amazon Four to five months after giving birth, the hair will shed at an alarming rate, and it can be worrying. Our hair grows in cycles: a growing phase, a resting phase, and a shedding phase that continues to repeat. But during pregnancy, most of the hair stays in the growth phase due to those big changes in your body's hormones. Once your baby arrives and your hormones begin to change again, the level of estrogen falls, causing your thick head of pregnancy hair to begin the shedding phase. Because so much of your hair sheds all at once, the volume of hair loss seems far more substantial. But customers are hailing a "miracle" oil, which can fit into any haircare routine - applied daily or as a luxurious mask before wash day. Some shoppers have claimed it could reverse their postpartum hair loss in weeks. Mielle's original Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil can be added to your Amazon basket for just £7.33. It promotes "amazing moisture and shine" and supports "longer, healthier hair". The product is infused with the vitamin biotin, which is also beneficial for nails and skin. Muireann O'Connell shares 'singed' hair fiasco There are no parabens, sulfates, paraffins, mineral oil, or DEA, and it's not tested on animals. "Mielle aims to empower women of all hair types and styles with powerful products and gentle, organic ingredients that amplify your natural beauty and are the 'root to results' that leave you looking and feeling your best," said the company. Shoppers have been raving about the hair oil, and even claimed it helped them with post-partum hair loss. "This oil has been a true saviour for me after experiencing postpartum hair loss, which left me with noticeable bald spots around my hairline," penned one. "Having used this consistently for a year, I am thrilled with the results." Another added: "This stuff is a miracle worker! Even the hairdressers at my salon noticed my hair growth and asked what have I been using! Bonus point- it's helped my nails grow as well." A third agreed: "This product has been remarkable. My hair fall have reduced significantly after the last use. Definitely recommended." This comes as a radio presenter has revealed that she suffered severe hair loss after having her second child, but a 59p buy has got it looking thick and healthy again. Meanwhile, another woman shared how she grew her hair thicker using this simple £2 remedy from Asda. She told how she took her hair from the size of a pinky in a ponytail to long and luscious using this one clever hack. Elsewhere, this is a £6 shampoo shoppers are going wild for, which makes your hair grow quickly, but it won't be in the beauty aisle.
Scottish Sun
10 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Three-drug treatment combo ‘holds back aggressive breast cancer for a year'
The treatment could benefit thousands of British women Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A NEW triple threat drug combination could hold aggressive breast cancer at bay for an extra year, a trial found. Adding the medicine inavolisib to an already used pair of drugs delayed the need for chemotherapy by almost two years. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Breast cancer gets harder to treat as cells become resistant to drugs (stock image) Credit: Getty It prevented tumours from growing for an average of 17 months, compared to seven months in patients using the standard drug pairing palbociclib and fulvestrant. An estimated 1,000 British women per year could benefit. The combo works for women with a specific breast cancer type called HR+ HER2- with a PIK3CA mutation, which accounts for about three in 10 cases. Professor Kristian Helin, chief of The Institute of Cancer Research in London, said: 'We need to tackle treatment resistance head-on to continue improving survival rates. 'This triple combination approach effectively shuts down cancer's escape routes, giving people with metastatic breast cancer the opportunity to live well for longer.' The trial included 325 patients with aggressive and advanced breast cancer from 28 countries. Cancers shrank in two thirds of people receiving the triple drug combination, compared to 28 per cent of those on standard treatment. New go-to option for docs Study author Professor Nicholas Turner, of the Royal Marsden NHS hospital in London, said: 'This therapy not only helped patients live longer but it more than doubled the time before their cancer progressed or worsened. 'It also gave them more time before needing chemotherapy which is something that patients really fear and want to delay for as long as possible.' 'These results give us confidence that this treatment could become the new go-to option.' The study was presented at the conference of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Breast cancer symptoms you should NEVER ignore, with Dr Philippa Kaye
