“Sleeping” is the best part of life, is something we all love – it gives us rest and makes us feel good. Everyone loves sleeping in their favorite position. Each person has a preferred sleeping position, but it’s important to consider how these positions can affect our bodies and skin. Have you ever thought about how you sleep? Does your sleeping position affect your body or skin? If you are used to sleeping on your stomach, there are several reasons why you might want to reconsider or modify this habit for better health outcomes.
Does Sleeping on Your Side or Stomach Really Cause Wrinkles?
Unfortunately, this is true. Sleeping habits can contribute to skin lines and wrinkles, but it’s not the only reason.
When you sleep in certain positions, like on your side, it can speed up the development of wrinkles on your chest, neck, and face,” says Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, a dermatologist in Connecticut. Any habit that causes your skin to fold or stretch repeatedly can result in sagging over time. You’ll notice these wrinkles more on looser skin, like on an adult’s chest rather than a child’s.
Sleeping on your side can also cause aging-related changes in your skin, such as volume loss on the side you sleep on. “Almost every dermatologist can tell which side a person sleeps on just by looking at their face,” says Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali of New York City.
Sleeping on your stomach can lead to the formation of wrinkles over time, particularly on the face.
- Pressure and Compression: When you sleep on your stomach, your face is forced against the pillow for long durations. This continual pressure can generate creases and folds in the skin, resulting in the appearance of sleep lines and wrinkles, particularly on the forehead, cheeks, and around the lips.
- Friction: Friction between your skin and the pillowcase might lead to wrinkles. Over time, this rubbing can degrade collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, causing elasticity and firmness.
- Dehydration: Sleeping on your stomach can lead to skin dehydration. Pressure and friction can damage the skin’s natural barrier function, causing more water loss and dryness. Dehydrated skin is more likely to form wrinkles and fine lines.
- Reduced Blood Flow: Sleeping on your stomach can compress blood vessels in the face, resulting in decreased blood flow to the skin. This can reduce the flow of oxygen and nutrients to skin cells, reducing the skin’s healing and regeneration processes.
How Can Sleeping on Your Stomach Be Prevented?
- Change Sleeping Position: If you sleep on your stomach, consider switching to your back or side to relieve pressure on your face and lessen wrinkle production.
- Use a Silk or Satin Pillowcase: These fabrics have less friction and are kinder on the skin than cotton pillows, which helps to lessen the risk of wrinkles.
- Supportive Pillows: If altering your sleeping position is difficult, use pillows to support your head and neck while reducing facial contact with the pillow.
- Skin Care Routine: Use moisturizers and creams containing retinoids and antioxidants to help heal and protect your skin from wrinkles.
- Stay moisturized: Drink enough of water to keep your skin moisturized from the inside out, which will help it retain its suppleness and resilience.
While sleeping on your stomach may be comfortable for some, it’s crucial to be aware of the possible implications on skin health, such as wrinkle formation. Taking preventative actions and maintaining good skincare routines can help to reduce these effects and keep your skin appearing young and healthy.
What is the Ideal Sleeping Position to Avoid Lines and Wrinkles?
Rachel Maiman, Deanne Mraz Robinson, and Dhaval Bhanusali, three skin doctors shared the same not-so-good news for those who sleep on their sides or stomachs.
“Sleeping on your back with your head in the middle is the kindest to your skin. It lowers the chances of getting skin problems from sleeping,” says Dr. Maiman.
Dr. Bhanusali agrees, though he admits it’s tough. “Sleeping on your back is best, but it’s not easy. Most people, including me, find it hard,” he says.
Dr. Robinson also suggests lying on your back, but it’s tricky to find the right position. “If your head is too high, your chin might drop, and your neck could feel uncomfortable. But if it’s too low, you might wake up with swollen eyes because of fluid buildup,” she explains.
References
- Skin Enhance and Wellness – https://skinenhance.co.uk/ – How your sleep position could be ageing you
- Allure – https://www.allure.com/ – Does Sleeping on Your Stomach or Side Really Cause Wrinkles?
- Johns Hopkins Medicine – https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/ – Choosing the Best Sleep Position
- Sleep Foundation – https://www.sleepfoundation.org/ – Best Sleeping Positions
