Sleep studies estimate that 57% of men and 40% of women snore. It’s a more widespread problem than many think! The consequences of snoring include waking your partner in bed, poor sleep or lack of REM sleep, or even waking yourself during sleep. 

Lack of sleep can lead to a myriad of problems, the first of which is, of course, tiredness, followed by a weakened immune system, lack of ability to focus on key tasks, and even digestion. Snoring has also been linked to other health conditions as well, including sleep apnea, headaches, and even heart conditions. 

The link between snoring, and thus breathing, and health became widely popular in 2020 with the publishing of "Breath" by James Nestor, which delves into the fascinating world of breath. Nestor explores the transformative power of conscious breathing, drawing on extensive research and personal experiences. 

He examines how modern lifestyle choices have led to dysfunctional breathing patterns and their detrimental effects on our overall health. The book uncovers ancient breathing techniques and highlights their potential to enhance physical performance, reduce stress, and improve various medical conditions. Nestor's thought-provoking exploration invites readers to reassess their relationship with breath and unlock its immense potential for well-being.

But what really causes snoring?

There are five main causes of snoring, many of which are preventable or can be addressed through health-related changes, or even mouth taping. 

1. Obstructed Airways: When the airflow through the mouth and nose is partially blocked, it can result in snoring. Common causes include nasal congestion, deviated septum, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, or excess throat tissue.
2. Poor Sleep Position: Sleeping on your back can cause the tongue and soft tissues of the throat to relax and obstruct the airway, leading to snoring. Changing sleep positions can often alleviate this issue.
3. Obesity: Excess weight can contribute to snoring by increasing the amount of fatty tissue around the neck and throat. This can put pressure on the airway, leading to snoring during sleep.
4. Alcohol and Sedatives: Consuming alcohol or taking sedatives before bedtime can relax the muscles in the throat and interfere with the normal breathing process. This relaxation can contribute to snoring.
5. Age and Gender: As people age, the throat muscles naturally become weaker, increasing the likelihood of snoring. Additionally, men tend to have narrower air passages than women, which can make them more prone to snoring.

So, considering the myriad of reasons someone might snore, does mouth-taping really work?

Mouth tape can be a helpful tool to prevent snoring during sleep, especially for individuals who primarily breathe through their mouths. By gently taping the mouth shut, it encourages nasal breathing, which has several benefits.

Firstly, nasal breathing filters and humidifies the incoming air, reducing the risk of throat dryness and irritation. It also helps maintain optimal oxygen levels and carbon dioxide balance in the body, promoting more restful sleep.

Additionally, mouth taping encourages proper tongue and jaw positioning, preventing the collapse of soft tissues in the throat that can lead to snoring. It can also assist in keeping the airway open and unobstructed throughout the night.

While mouth tape may seem unusual at first, it can effectively train individuals to breathe through their nose, potentially reducing or eliminating snoring, improving sleep quality, and promoting overall well-being. 

Clearly, the trend of mouth taping has expanded from TikTok to The New York Times, so there’s a lot of buzz on the subject in the past several months and even years. So, have you tried mouth tape yet?