The most dangerous trend on TikTok

However, medical experts claim it is among the “most dangerous” trends on social media today, the New York Post reported.

“This is one of the most dangerous trends I’ve seen in a while, and I’m quite concerned that it’s being promoted as a ‘health’ fad. Simply put, intentionally obstructing your airway while you sleep is a terrible idea,” Dr. David Culpepper, a general practitioner in Lexington, Kentucky, told Fox News.

Aside from the life-threatening dangers, some people warn that using adhesives like duct tape can be harmful to the lips.

In this trend that has attracted 24.2 million views, many people are following the method of health TikToker Cory Rodriguez - putting tape or medical gauze on their lips before going to bed.

In a popular post, Rodriguez explained to his 5.7 million viewers the benefits of duct tape, saying it “will benefit your respiratory health, help you sleep better, and reduce dry mouth and snoring.”

James Jun, another account that supports duct tape gagging, also praised the measure.

In a clip with 3.1 million views, Jun claims that he started this method two years ago and that maintaining it has improved his ability to breathe through his nose. Jun also says he snores less, has less jaw and throat pain, and gets enough sleep.

Similarly, in a post that has attracted 1.3 million views, Chance Culp admitted that somehow taping her own mouth shut gives her a good night's sleep.

A segment of the audience was fascinated and followed this health improvement trick. They continued to comment and create new posts related to it, causing the dangerous trend to spread even more.

Nose breathing has many health benefits, according to Dental Logic. Nose hairs filter out dust and allergens, and nasal breathing humidifies the air you breathe. It also prevents tooth decay and produces nitric oxide, which helps oxygen circulate in your body.

However, scientific research has not yet proven that nasal breathing is a medically recommended treatment for any sleep-related problems.

“Tape-ing your mouth will make your health worse and can contribute to serious problems like heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and stroke, especially if you have sleep apnea,” sleep expert James Wilson told Newsweek.

According to Zing