How does sleeping on your stomach affect facial skin?
If you’re a stomach sleeper, you may be wondering if this sleep position is having any effect on your facial skin. After all, finding a good and comfortable sleep position that won’t negatively impact our skin can sometimes be a difficult task. Luckily, even though sleeping on your stomach has some drawbacks, there are ways to ensure it won’t be causing any permanent damage.
Benefits of Sleeping on Your Stomach
The primary benefit of sleeping on your stomach is that it can be quite comfortable and relaxing. This can lead to a more restful sleep. There may also be some lesser-known benefits. For instance, sleeping in this position can help improve spinal alignment as well as alleviate neck and shoulder pain.
Sleeping on your stomach can also help reduce snoring, as it can open up the airways and reduce the pressure on the throat. Additionally, it can help reduce acid reflux, as it keeps the head elevated and prevents stomach acid from entering the esophagus. Finally, it can help reduce facial wrinkles, as it prevents the face from being pressed against the pillow for long periods of time.
Drawbacks of Sleeping on Your Stomach
The primary drawback of sleeping on your stomach is that it can put a lot of pressure on your face and neck. In particular, this can cause wrinkles and other marks to form on your face that may not disappear. Additionally, it can lead to increased inflammation around the eyes, or “puffy eye syndrome”.
Sleeping on your stomach can also cause neck and back pain due to the unnatural position of the spine. This can lead to chronic pain and discomfort, and can even cause long-term damage to the spine. Additionally, it can be difficult to breathe while sleeping on your stomach, as the pressure on your chest can restrict your breathing.
Tips for Preventing Damage to Facial Skin from Sleeping on Your Stomach
It’s important to remember that sleeping is necessary for our health and wellbeing. As such, it’s prudent that we make sure our sleep positions are not causing any undue harm. To reduce the risk of wrinkles and puffiness developing from sleeping on your stomach, there are a few steps you can take. Firstly, try using a silk or satin pillowcase as these materials are much gentler on your skin than cotton or polyester.
Secondly, consider using a pillow that is slimmer and lower than usual. This will help reduce the amount of pressure on your face which can help avoid wrinkling. Finally, try lightly massaging your face before bed with a cream or serum to help boost your skin’s hydration.
What to Do If You Notice Signs of Damage
If you notice signs of damaged skin such as wrinkles or puffiness around your eyes, then you may need to rethink your sleeping position. If you feel like you can’t change your preferred sleep position, then there are other steps you can take. Consider using an anti-aging cream with vitamins A and E as these can help to replenish the skin and lock in moisture. You should also make sure you are applying sunscreen daily to help protect your skin from further damage.
The Best Pillow and Mattress Types for Stomach Sleepers
Though cotton and polyester pillows can be used by stomach sleepers, there are certain types of pillows and mattresses that are ideal for this sleep position. Memory foam and feather pillows are both ideal for stomach sleepers as they provide greater cushioning for the face and neck. Similarly, a firm mattress is ideal for stomach sleepers as it helps to evenly distribute the body’s pressure points.
What Position Is Best for Skin Health?
Though there is no one-size-fits-all answer to what sleeping position is best for skin health, it is generally viewed that sleeping on your back is the best choice. This is because when you lay on your back, gravity helps pull any facial creams or moisturizers down and into the skin as well as reduces the amount of pressure placed on the face.
Ways to Improve Your Sleep Quality
Regardless of what sleep position you find yourself in, it is important to make sure that you are getting the highest quality of sleep possible. That means eliminating technology, noise and light from your bedroom, ensuring the temperature in the room isn’t too hot or too cold, and sticking to a consistent sleep schedule all throughout the week.
Other Factors That Influence Skin Health
It’s important to remember that when considering skin health, sleep position is only part of the equation. Skin health is heavily impacted by factors such as age, diet, lifestyle choices and environmental elements such as sunlight and air pollution.
Conclusion
Sleeping on your stomach does have some benefits however the drawbacks like wrinkles or puffy eye syndrome shouldn’t be taken lightly. The best advice is to try switching up your sleep position to avoid any potential damage that it could bring. Additionally, be aware of other factors like age, diet and environmental issues that can also influence skin health.
