Breath by James Nestor (A Summary)
Oct 13, 2023
In "Breath" by James Nestor, the author delves into the science and art of breathing, exploring various practices to enhance health and well-being. One of the practices he discusses is mouth taping, which is aimed at promoting nasal breathing, especially during sleep. Here's a summary of his exploration and findings regarding mouth taping:
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Experiment on Mouth Breathing: Nestor participated in an experiment where he breathed solely through his mouth for a period, by having his nostrils sealed with silicone plugs. This experiment led him to experience discomfort and was described as being akin to an "inferno," showcasing the negative impacts of mouth breathing1.
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The Perils of Mouth Breathing: Through both his experiment and research, Nestor identifies various problems associated with mouth breathing. He emphasizes that mouth breathing can contribute to snoring and sleep apnea, and even referred to it as a peril2.
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Mouth Taping to Promote Nasal Breathing: Nestor discusses the practice of mouth taping during sleep to reduce mouth breathing. By placing a stamp-sized piece of tape over the mouth, individuals can promote nasal breathing, which in turn helps in alleviating issues like snoring and sleep apnea. This practice leads to a decrease in the pressure in the mouth, preventing the soft tissues at the back of the mouth from becoming loose and flexing inward, thus creating more space for breathing and making it less difficult3.
Through these explorations, Nestor brings to light the benefits of nasal breathing and how simple practices like mouth taping can make a significant difference in improving sleep quality and overall health.