If you're struggling to sleep, you'll likely do anything to gain relief. This could include turning to TikTok and its various sleep trends like Kourtney Kardashian's melatonin gummies, making the Sleepy Girl mocktail and evenmouth-taping (which sounds more oriented for a Lifetime movie).
Another trend making the TikTok rounds right now is chin straps. Yes, people are wearing chin straps at night. Our guide delves into what chin straps are, whether they're an effective way to gain quality sleep and what medical experts think of this latest TikTok health trend.
What are chin straps?
Chin straps are fabric or silicone that you wrap around your chin and extend to your ears or around your head. The TikTok chin strap fad states that wearing one can tighten your jawline, creating a facelift-like effect while you sleep. Therefore, it seems like a promising solution for those looking to tighten their facial appearance but don't want to spend money on surgery. There is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
On top of this, influencers state it can alleviate sleep problems, one of which is mouth breathing. It occurs when your nose is congested, making it difficult to draw air in. Not only can this cause heavy snoring, but it may also lead to other sleep disorders like sleep apnea.
When you breathe air in through your mouth, it's drier and more polluted. Your nose contains microhairs called cilia. Cilia filters out allergens and debris from entering your airstream. Also, when you breathe in through your nose, it gives your body time to make the air moist. It does this with turbinates.
In theory, having something to stop mouth breathing is optimal, as it may aid chronic issues like sleep apnea or malocclusion. Malocclusion is a dental condition where your teeth don't align with your mouth. If left untreated, it could lead to TMJ or a locked jaw in the future.
Chin straps alone have not been proven to be effective in treating obstructive sleep apnea. Mouth breathing can contribute to sleep disorders, but sleep experts do not recommend using chin straps to treat sleep apnea or other sleep disorders. Instead, turn to more established treatments like CPAP therapy.
Do chin straps actually work?
No, chin straps don't work. Doctors and plastic surgeons have refuted claims made on TikTok about wearing chin straps and how they can reduce mouth breathing or create a slimmer jawline. If you notice snoring wakes you up or feel fatigued during the day, you'll want to contact your doctor to determine the root causes. Treatments like CPAP machines, oral appliances or surgery are more effective in aiding sleep apnea if you are diagnosed.
Read more: I Was Always Waking Up Tired. I Used Tech and Science to Sleep Better
What TikTok is saying about chin straps
There's a trend making the TikTok rounds called the "daily shed." People show their viewers things they sleep with by removing them on video. It can include chin straps, mouth tape, under-eye masks and hair bonnets.
Wearing chin straps is gaining popularity thanks to the beauty and sleep claims influencers make. They state that wearing a chin strap to bed creates a slimming effect on your jawline. One TikTok creator called it an inexpensive facelift. So, for people with double chins, it promises a way to tone your face without the cost of surgery.
Moreover, influencers also state they can help improve sleep quality. First, the strap places your chin in an upright position, making it more difficult for you to snore or mouth breath since your chin cannot dip to your chest. If you have underlying medical issues like a deviated septum or enlarged tonsils, you'll want to treat the condition, not the position.
Influencers claim it gives them tighter jaws and improves sleep quality, but it's vital to consult with your doctor before undergoing social media fads. Not only can they help you determine whether the claims made by influencers are true, but they also know your medical history and can treat your conditions more precisely. It’s important to note that self-diagnosing and self-treating sleep disorders based on social media trends are not advised and can be dangerous. Speak with your doctor instead.
Bottom line
TikTok trends have positive and negative impacts on personal health. Some trends like slugging have benefits if done well, but others -- like wearing chin straps to bed -- provide no improvement in sleep, nor does it slim your jawline. With sleep issues, it's best to consult your primary care physician, who can pinpoint root causes and determine the most effective treatment methods based on your medical conditions.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.