Last Updated on October 9, 2022 by theworldofsleepstaff
It’s no secret that many people chew gum as a means of freshening their breath or simply as a habit, but what about chewing gum before bed? We all know that avoiding some things – such as drinking caffeine – can be bad for sleep, while some can be good.
But have you even thought about whether chewing gum before bed could be good or bad for you? Well, while chewing gum before bed may seem like an odd habit, it actually turns out there are some potential benefits to doing so, as well as possible negatives.
We’re going to explore all of that right here.
Disclaimer: You must always consult your doctor before including a new supplement or food into your daily routine as only your doctor can explain any pros or cons that are specific to you. Some supplements & foods may interfere with medications and/or cause allergic reactions.
But First: What Exactly Is Chewing Gum?
Chewing gum is a type of confectionery that is made from gum base, sweeteners, flavoring, and coloring. It is meant to be chewed, not swallowed. The majority of chewing gum companies keep their particular formulations secret and under wraps.
But gum base is usually made from latex, but can also be made from other materials such as polyethylene, polyvinyl acetate, and even paraffin wax.
All ingredients used in chewing gum processing must be “food grade” and deemed safe for human consumption.
Chewing Gum Before Bed: The Impact On Your Sleep
It’s a question that has puzzled people for years – what happens when you decide to chew gum before bed? Does it help you sleep, or does it keep you up all night? One of the more popular theories is that chewing gum will keep you up all night.
So, what does science say? Well, the answer is a little bit of both.
It turns out that there isn’t a whole lot of scientific evidence to support either side of the argument about whether chewing gum before bed is good or bad for you.
Gum does have some properties that could help you sleep, but it’s not a guaranteed way to get a good night’s sleep. But chewing gum also has the potential to keep you awake if you’re not used to it, but it also depends on the type of gum you’re chewing. Sugar-free gum, on the other hand, has even been shown to have a sleep-inducing effect.
We also must consider the fact that the act of chewing gum actually releases a hormone called cortisol, which is responsible for stress. That is, when you chew gum, your body starts to produce more cortisol. This can be helpful if you’re feeling stressed out before bed, as the cortisol will help you relax and fall asleep.
But on the other hand, studies suggest that if you chew gum right before bed, you’re more likely to have trouble falling asleep. The act of chewing can keep your brain active and make it harder for you to relax. And if you do manage to fall asleep, the sugar in most gums can keep you up throughout the night.
Some General Benefits of Chewing Gum
Chewing gum has a variety of benefits that are often overlooked. When people think of chewing gum, they generally think of the negatives, such as issues with the jaw, etc.
However, there are many positives to chewing gum that outweigh the negatives. Some of these benefits include:
1. Acts As a Stress Buster & Boosts Memory
A study found that chewing gum can help reduce stress levels. Researchers gave students a test to see how well they could focus after completing a task that caused stress.
The students who chewed gum had lower levels of cortisol, which is a hormone that is released when the body is stressed. They also had better performance on memory-related tasks.
2. May Help You Lose Weight
A recent study showed that people who chewed gum lost more weight than those who didn’t. The researchers believe that the act of chewing gum helps people to feel full, so they eat less food.
They also think that the flavor of the gum helps to suppress the appetite. So chewing gum before bed could stop late-night cravings and subsequently help you lose weight.
3. Helps Combat Bad Breath
Bad breath, medically termed halitosis, can also be a sign of a more serious health problem. While there are many ways to combat bad breath, chewing gum is one of the simplest and most convenient methods.
Chewing gum helps to remove food particles and bacteria from the teeth and gums. It also stimulates saliva production, which helps to neutralize acids and wash away bacteria. Saliva also contains enzymes that help to break down proteins, which is why it is so effective in combating bad breath.
4. Prevents Tooth Decay
Dental hygiene is important, and one way to improve it is by chewing gum. Chewing sugar-free gum has been shown to help remove plaque, fight bacteria, and prevent tooth decay. It’s also a great way to freshen your breath.
Chewing sugar-free gum after meals can help keep your teeth healthy and cavity-free. Be sure to choose a gum that contains xylitol, a natural sweetener that helps protect teeth from decay.
Potential Risks of Chewing Gum
Chewing gum is a common practice that many people do without thinking about the possible side effects.
The most common side effect of chewing gum is jaw pain. This can be caused by chewing gum for a long time, or by chewing gum that is too hard. If you experience jaw pain, stop chewing gum and see a dentist.
Chewing gum excessively may cause headaches. It’s not just the sugar in gum that can cause headaches, but also the artificial sweeteners. In fact, scientists have found that the two most common artificial sweeteners, aspartame and saccharin, can trigger headaches.
While chewing gum is typically considered safe, there are a few ingredients in some brands of gum that could b potentially harmful. In fact the ingredients in chewing gum have been a topic of concern for many people.
Artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors are all common ingredients in chewing gum and they are all considered safe. However, there are a few ingredients that people are concerned about.
One ingredient found in some brands of chewing gum is aspartame. Aspartame is a sweetener that is used in many food products. It has been linked to a number of health problems, including cancer. There have been some concerns about aspartame’s safety, but it has been deemed safe by the FDA.
Another common ingredient in chewing gum is BHT, or butylated hydroxytoluene. This ingredient is used as a preservative, and there are some concerns that it may be carcinogenic. However, there is no concrete evidence that BHT is harmful.
Our Final Thoughts: Chewing Gum Before Bed
Chewing gum has a bad reputation, but is it really all bad? This post takes a look at the good, the bad, and everything in between when it comes to chewing gum.
By understanding the benefits and drawbacks of chewing gum before bed, you can make a more informed decision about whether or not to chew gum.
Thanks for reading!