Do We Really Swallow Spiders in Our Sleep?

This episode debunks the disturbing myth that humans swallow eight spiders a year while asleep. The claim didn’t come from scientific research but from a 1990s article that used it as an example of how easily misinformation spreads. Ironically, the “example” itself became one of the internet’s most repeated fake facts.

Science makes it clear: spiders avoid humans, are scared by movement and vibrations, and find our mouths unattractive environments. The odds of one crawling inside while we sleep are close to zero. In reality, the number of spiders we swallow in our lifetimes is most likely none at all.

The myth stuck because it’s shocking, disgusting, and memorable — and because repetition made it feel true. Psychologists call this the illusory truth effect. Media, horror stories, and pop culture reinforced it further.

Ultimately, the episode shows how a creepy but catchy idea became accepted as “fact,” proving just how easily we can be fooled when fear and curiosity overpower evidence. The truth? You can sleep peacefully — no spiders are sneaking in.