Dispelling the Spider Swallowing Myth
The widespread urban legend suggesting that humans unintentionally swallow 7-8 spiders annually during sleep is largely unfounded. Fortunately, in reality, the likelihood of regularly ingesting spiders while asleep is exceedingly slim. Spiders typically exhibit caution and aversion to the vibrations and warmth emanating from a sleeping individual, dissuading them from venturing into a person’s mouth.
Furthermore, humans possess a natural reflex to close their mouths in response to foreign objects, such as insects, entering. While isolated incidents of spider ingestion during sleep may occur, they are rare occurrences. This myth likely originated as a cautionary tale or as a testament to the ease with which misinformation spreads. Regardless, there’s no cause for concern about an annual spider feast occurring during sleep—it remains yet another enduring and inaccurate urban legend.