- #1
Dremmer
- 92
- 0
Is it true that we swallow insects and spiders when we're sleeping?
ryan_m_b said:I would find it extremely odd if one thought crawling into a breathing wet hole was a good idea.
ryan_m_b said:Lol I was hardly suggesting that out of all 6 billion people currently living and the tens of billions that have lived before that no-one has eaten a spider in their sleep! I really can't see that being a regular behaviour for most spiders however
ryan_m_b said:Me neither, I'm not too tolerant of things with more than 4 legs...
I really can't see that being a regular behaviour for most spiders however
Pythagorean said:
There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that we regularly swallow insects and spiders while we sleep. In fact, our bodies have several mechanisms in place to prevent this from happening. For example, our gag reflex and saliva production would typically prevent any foreign objects from entering our throats while we are sleeping.
No, it is not true. This is a common urban legend that has been circulating for many years. While it is possible to accidentally swallow an insect or spider while we are awake, it is highly unlikely to happen while we are sleeping.
It is extremely unlikely for spiders to crawl into our mouths while we are sleeping. Spiders are typically shy creatures and prefer to avoid humans. Additionally, our breathing and saliva production would also make it difficult for a spider to survive in our mouths.
If we do happen to accidentally swallow an insect or spider while we are sleeping, it is likely that our body will naturally expel it through coughing or digestion. Our stomach acid is strong enough to break down most insects and spiders, so there should be no cause for concern.
The origins of this myth are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the early 20th century. Some sources suggest that the myth was spread by a marketing campaign for a popular mattress brand, while others believe it may have been a way to scare children into staying in bed at night.