Everyone nowadays seems to have a tip, trick or method for how to get the best quality sleep. How do you know what’s fact or fiction? We’re here to help! We’ve compiled a list of three viral sleep trends circulating online and treated them to our expert examination to see if they actually work.
1. Taking melatonin, magnesium or zinc
You may have seen various sleep supplements blowing up on social media, with ingredients like melatonin, magnesium and zinc often being touted as cure-all sleep aids.There is some truth to this: melatonin is a hormone that’s naturally produced by your body and typically rises around two hours before bedtime. It does promote sleep, but your body can usually produce enough melatonin on its own, so the supplements aren’t necessarily needed. Meanwhile magnesium and zinc are minerals believed to support sleep, although science hasn’t fully backed this up.Overall, taking supplements with these ingredients may help in the short-term, in cases of insomnia or jet-lag, but not enough research has been conducted to clinically confirm the benefits of using them long term. And it’s important to remember, sleep supplements are not replacements for healthy sleep habits! Try introducing habits like reducing blue light before bed, adopting a consistent sleep schedule and investing in quality sleep products like the Endy Mattress for long lasting benefits.@meganmtl
2. Mouth taping
A new and unusual trend circulating on TikTok is mouth taping, and it’s exactly what it sounds like. Users have claimed taping their mouths shut at night improves sleep quality, reduces snoring and even sculpts their jawline. While it’s true nasal breathing during sleep does improve oxygen levels and reduce snoring, the effects of mouth tape on improving sleep quality are not backed by research.Taping your mouth can carry risk, especially for those with sleep apnea and other medical conditions. If you have a deviated septum, allergies, sinusitis or chronic congestion, for instance, this poses a challenge for nasal breathing and likely requires other treatments. We recommend talking to a medical professional before trying mouth taping.
3. Noise colours
White noise is known to help you fall asleep, but did you know there are different noise “colours” too? Noise colours describe the strength and frequency of different types of noises. White noise has all frequencies, like TV static. Brown noise is deeper like a waterfall, while green noise is softer, like a gentle breeze. Anecdotal evidence suggests noise colours do have various beneficial uses in different contexts.This is based on personal preference, but studies have shown white, green and brown noise may support sleep quality and length. One recent study found that 38 per cent of people fell asleep faster listening to white noise. @michelleckeenWhile it’s fun to try out new sleep trends, don’t believe everything you hear online! What works for one person may not work for another, and social media tips and tricks aren’t always scientifically sound. We recommend asking medical professionals before making any major changes to your sleep habits, especially if you have a pre-existing condition affecting sleep. Some sleep trends may help, but practicing healthy sleep habits will always be the way to go!
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