How do you minimize wrinkles when sleeping on your stomach?
Between the ages of 25 and 35, many people start to experience wrinkles and fine lines on their faces. These wrinkles and fine lines occur as a result of a variety of factors, and can be further aggravated by certain sleeping positions. One of the most wrinkle-inducing sleeping positions is sleeping on one’s stomach. While it can be difficult to break the habit of sleeping on your stomach, it’s definitely possible to minimize the wrinkles that come with it.
Benefits of Sleeping on Your Stomach
Many people choose to sleep on their stomach because it can make them feel more comfortable. It can be especially helpful for those who suffer from sleep apnea, as the gravity helps keep their airways open. Additionally, those who frequently move around in their sleep may find that sleeping on their stomach gives them a bit more stability.
What are the Risks of Sleeping on Your Stomach?
While there are some benefits to sleeping on one’s stomach, there are also some risks associated with it. Most notable is the increased propensity for wrinkles and fine lines. This forming of wrinkles is due to the fact that when lying on your stomach, your face spends the entire night pressing against the pillow, allowing no air circulation. Additionally, your skin lacks the support it needs to stay in its natural position and hydrated.
Tips for Minimizing Wrinkles
Before resorting to drastic measures such as changing your sleep position or purchasing items to support your face while you sleep, there are some things you can do to attempt to minimize wrinkles while still sleeping on your stomach. Perhaps the most important tip is to invest in a quality pillow and mattress that offers ample support for your head and neck. Make sure to keep the pillow clean–dust mites and other allergens can contribute to the appearance of wrinkles. Additionally, for maximum air circulation, make sure the pillow is made with hypoallergenic materials such as feathers or down.
Investing in a Quality Pillow and Mattress
If you are unable to find a pillow that is comfortable as well as supportive, you may need to invest in a new mattress as well. Memory foam mattresses provide good support while still being incredibly comfortable. A quality mattress can help keep your body better aligned while sleeping, which can reduce wrinkles.
Sleeping Positions to Avoid
In addition to minimizing the wrinkles caused by sleeping on your stomach, it is important to avoid other sleeping positions that may also lead to wrinkles. Sleeping on your side puts a lot of pressure on your facial muscles, which often leads to wrinkles. Additionally, many people report sleeping in the fetal position as being uncomfortable and leading to wrinkles as well.
Benefits of Sleeping on Your Back
Sleeping on your back offers the greatest wrinkle prevention, as all of your facial muscles are then resting in their natural position. Additionally, sleeping on your back decreases snoring, which can be disruptive to a restful sleep. Of course, if you are prone to backache or neck pain you may find that sleep on your back is uncomfortable.
How to Change Your Sleeping Position
If you want to make the switch from sleeping on your stomach to your back, here are a few tips that may help. First, try using a body pillow or other pillow-support when going to bed. This gives you something to put your arm around and can make it easier to stay in position while trying to slowly adjust. Additionally, if snoring is an issue, try using a specially designed wedge pillow which keeps the head elevated.
Possible Solutions for People Who Struggle with Changing Their Sleep Position
While changing sleeping positions can be difficult for some people, it’s definitely possible for everyone. One suggested solution is setting a timer before going to bed every night – when it goes off, turn onto your back and if you struggle with staying there, start setting smaller goals each night until eventually you’re able to stay in that position all through the night. Additionally, practicing yoga or stretching before bed may help relax your body and make it easier to transition positions while asleep.
Additional Tips for Reducing Skin Damage from Sleeping on your Stomach
In addition to changing your sleeping position, there are a few additional tips you can use to minimize the damage done by sleeping on your stomach. Exfoliating regularly helps remove any dead skin cells that can contribute to wrinkles and use an anti-aging cream at night to encourage skin hydration and keep skin looking young. Additionally, invest in an eye mask that prevents any pressure from being placed around the eyes–this area is especially prone to wrinkles from sleeping on one’s stomach.
Sleeping on one’s stomach can cause wrinkles by restricting air circulation, putting extra pressure on facial skin, and leaving the skin unsupported. There are some steps you can take to prevent wrinkles from forming, from investing in a quality mattress and pillow, avoiding certain positions while sleeping, changing one’s position while asleep, and various additional tips.
