A lot of Instagram influencers and even the Hollywood actress Emma Roberts recommends sleeping with your mouth taped shut. Seemingly, there are many health benefits to this, one of which is the prevention of ADHD.
But is this true or just a myth? Let’s find out with the help of some experts.
Dr Ravi Shankerji, General Physician at Apollo Spectra Hospital, Bangalore said that sleeping with your mouth open can cause several health issues such as dry mouth, dental problems, obstructive sleep apnea(OSA), and snoring. It also leads to poor sleep which can be detrimental to your mental health. “The quantity and quality of sleep have a direct relation with mental health where it alleviates stress, anxiety and depressive mood,” said Dr Shankerji.
Sleeping with your mouth taped shut can help you prevent the issues mentioned above as well as increase your energy levels. “Breathing through the nose makes it easier for the body to get filtered and humidified air thus; increasing the chances of getting adequate oxygen with less effort,” said Dr Shankerji, indicating that just by sleeping while taping the mouth shut and breathing only through the nose, a person can try to enhance the energy level during the day.
But what about its effects on ADHD?
ADHD is a behavioural disorder, which can be very challenging to diagnose since it is indicated by varying degrees of many symptoms such as inattention, excessive levels of activity and impulsive actions. “Although there is no positive evidence that can work wonders of sleeping with a mouth taped shut to treat ADHD, the quality of sleep as well as the breathing pattern influences the degree of ADHD.” said Dr Shankerji.
Children and adults with ADHD often face sleep difficulties, which can aggravate their symptoms. Improving sleep quality through breathing techniques can help alleviate some ADHD symptoms. It is to be noted that while it can minimise some symptoms, simply taping your mouth shut while sleeping is not a cure for ADHD.
Improving sleep quality through breathing techniques can help alleviate some ADHD symptoms. (Source: Freepik)
Are there any home-based remedies which can cure ADHD?
“ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that currently has no cure. In most cases, it is treated with the help of medicines, and behaviour therapy as well as changes in the daily regimen.” said Dr Shankerji.
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While some home-based remedies can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD, they should not be seen as a cure. ADHD needs a multi-faceted approach that can address all the different parts of the disorder. Patients with ADHD should consult a doctor before making any major adjustments to their treatment plans.
