New 'sleep hack' from TikTok could be deadly

However, doctors strongly advise against practising this "lifehack", which is gaining popularity on TikTok and other social networks.

According to Medicalxpress, proponents of the method claim that taping the mouth helps breathing through the nose, and therefore improves sleep. However, there is no medical confirmation of this theory yet. Moreover, experts warn that the potential risks may outweigh the possible benefits.

According to Dr Kimberly Hutchison, a sleep and neuroscience specialist at Oregon Health and Science University, research on the use of duct tape on the lips is minimal, and there are almost no proven effects. Meanwhile, the dangers are very real.

They include worsening sleep apnea (a serious breathing disorder), difficulty breathing, and even the risk of choking.

Medical professionals agree: nasal breathing is preferable. The nose acts as a natural filter, trapping dust, allergens and moisturising the air you breathe in. If you breathe through the mouth, especially at night, there is a high risk of waking up with dry mouth, bad odour and sore throat.

In addition, mouth breathing is directly linked to snoring. However, trying to solve the problem with duct tape is not the answer.

Dr David Shulman of Emory University believes that instead of duct tape, you should consider proven medical methods, such as mouth guards that widen the airway or CPAP machines used to treat sleep apnoea. Smoking cessation and weight loss - known risk factors for sleep disorders - also help.

Doctors emphasise that if a person breathes through their mouth while sleeping, it may be a symptom of a serious disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnoea. This disorder is accompanied by short-term respiratory arrest during sleep and requires professional treatment. In such cases, neither scotch nor breath mints will help - a diagnosis is necessary.

Dr Brian Chen of the Cleveland Clinic notes that chronic sleep disorder reduces quality of life, causes fatigue and can affect long-term health.

"The best solution is to get a sleep evaluation, even if at home. It's better to know the diagnosis than not to know," says Dr Shulman.

Even if a person isn't ready for treatment, awareness will allow for informed decisions.

The bottom line is simple: the popularity of a trend does not make it safe. Doctors agree that scotch is not a solution, but a possible path to problems.