We recently reviewed how we ended the previous year’s sleep habits and trends. Now let’s review what is trending so far in the first quarter of 2024.
Supplements and Sleep Aids
Apigenin, a compound found in chamomile tea, has gained significant attention as a sleep aid. Its popularity surged with an 82% increase in online searches over the past year. While apigenin supplements are available, the compound is naturally present in various fruits, vegetables, and herbs like oregano, artichokes, parsley, and chamomile.
Although evidence supporting chamomile’s and apigenin’s sleep benefits is primarily anecdotal, a single-blind randomized controlled trial found that chamomile extract can improve sleep quality in the elderly. Additionally, a meta-analysis suggests chamomile’s potential to enhance sleep quality. Further research is necessary, but many find it promising based on personal experiences.
Magnesium’s importance in the body and its potential as a sleep aid is widely acknowledged, yet research on its specific effects on sleep quality and duration remains limited. However, existing studies, such as one involving 46 participants, show promising results including improved sleep efficiency, duration, and melatonin levels. Although more research is needed for a comprehensive understanding, interest in magnesium has surged:
- TikTok views for magnesium-related content surpassed 2 billion.
- Google searches for magnesium rose by 29% in the past year, surpassing those for melatonin.
- Interest in magnesium glycinate, a specific form, increased by a whopping 204% in 2023.
Mouth Taping
If you’ve scrolled through Sleep TikTok lately, chances are you’ve stumbled upon the trend of “mouth taping” — the practice of applying tape over your mouth while sleeping to curb mouth breathing, snoring, and dry mouth, and even manage obstructive sleep apnea.
Despite the widespread interest, the evidence supporting mouth taping’s effectiveness remains largely anecdotal, with limited scientific research to back it up. For individuals with obstructive sleep apnea, caution is advised, as mouth taping could potentially narrow the upper airway and affect compliance with CPAP treatment.
Here’s what the data reveals about mouth taping:
- Searches for mouth tape surged by 120% in 2023 and are projected to increase by 55% in 2024.
- Interest in “how to stop mouth breathing at night” saw a 33% uptick.
As the trend gains traction, manufacturers are capitalizing on the demand with specialized “sleep strips,” essentially branded strips of tape sold at inflated prices.
While some consumers are drawn to DIY healthcare solutions, safety concerns about using conventional tape overnight persist. This has created a market for premium products that offer peace of mind, leading to significant markups — for instance, “sleep strips” priced 20-100 times higher than regular paper tape on platforms like Amazon.
Green and Violet Noise Rises
Did you know there are various colors outside white noise? Finding a good balance for your ear will be important when searching for bedroom noise. Trending in 2024 are green and violet noise.
- Green. A variant of white noise resembling natural sounds like wind or water, saw a surge in Google searches last year, up by 121%. Interest is expected to continue growing, with an anticipated increase of 52% in 2024.
- Violet or Purple. Violet experienced a 17% increase in interest recently with the noise often described as a sizzle or hiss. This color noise is favored by many for tinnitus masking or combating ear ringing and fatigue. It’s found to be especially calming when combined with a pleasant soundtrack. Essentially, violet noise is akin to an inverted form of brown noise.
- White. White noise is the most common that is recommended with several apps supporting white noise. Those with insomnia and light sleepers are recommended to create a consistent noise in the bedroom that provides an equal distribution of steady humming. This can include a humming fan or television static.
- Pink. Pink noise sounds either even or flat to the ear. It also intensifies the lower frequency to create deeper sounds such as heavy rain, whippled wind, or crispy leaves.
- Brown or Red. Brown noise is deeper than pink and can be hard for some to adjust. Thunderstorms or waterfalls including roaring bass create this high energy heard in brown noise. This is sometimes referred to as red noise.
- Black. Some people prefer a dark room with zero noise. By adding heavy curtains to block out street or outdoor noise, the best environment includes insulated windows.
Before trying any new sleep techniques, consult a physician. With the Alaska Sleep Clinic, there are many options to help define your sleep deficiencies. A free consultation is available today with one of our qualified doctors.
