What does sleeping on your stomach do to your face?
Sleeping on your stomach is often a more comfortable sleeping position for some people, but it may come with a few risks for your facial skin. From health risks to wrinkles and premature sagging, you may want to be aware of the potential cons of sleeping on your stomach. That being said, there are some tips you can use to learn how to sleep on your stomach without damaging your face. In this article, we explore the different effects of sleeping on your stomach, and how you can minimize the risks while reap some benefits.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Sleeping on Your Stomach
When it comes to the advantages and disadvantages of sleeping on your stomach, it largely depends on the individual’s preferences. Although it does provide a more comfortable sleeping position for some people, this position can cause sleep apnea and neck pain, which is why it’s not usually recommended. Additionally, people that sleep on their stomachs often find it difficult to keep their heads propped up high enough to avoid neck pain the next morning. To alleviate some of these risks, people can use special pillows and raise their head slightly to keep the neck in check.
The main advantage of sleeping on your stomach is that you don’t have to worry about snoring or rolling over and disrupting your sleep. Additionally, some report that sleeping on their stomach can help with digestion and help them wake up feeling more energetic. On top of that, many find that they have better control over firmness and temperature while sleeping in this position.
Potential Health Risks of Sleeping on Your Stomach
One of the major health risks associated with sleeping on your stomach is sleep apnea. This occurs when the soft tissue in your throat gets relaxed, leading to a decrease in airflow during sleep. If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, it’s crucial to avoid sleeping on your stomach. This is because sleep apnea can increase the risk for serious medical conditions such as heart attack and stroke.
Sleeping on your stomach can also increase your risk for misalignment in the spine and neck area. This could lead to chronic neck pain and trigger headaches due to strained neck muscles. It’s important to keep the spine aligned while you sleep in any position, but particularly if you’re on your stomach.
How to Sleep on Your Stomach Without Damaging Your Face
Although sleeping on your stomach is not recommended due to its potential health risks, it is possible to do it safely and comfortably. To start, make sure that your head is slightly elevated off the bed and use an ultra-soft pillow that mold around your face without putting pressure on it. Additionally, use a pillow that cushions the back of your neck and keeps your head slightly tilted.
It’s also important to keep your jaw and face relaxed while you sleep on your stomach. This can help reduce wrinkles over time and make sure that you don’t spend all night with tension in your face. Lastly, try to use a supportive mattress so your face isn’t pressed against a very hard surface while you sleep.
Effects of Sleeping on Your Stomach on Facial Skin
One of the main disadvantages of sleeping on your stomach is the effect it can have on your facial skin. Prominent wrinkles can develop if you press your face against the pillow for long periods every night, which can make you look older than you want. On top of that, the constant contact with the pillow can also cause premature sagging in certain facial features such as the cheeks and chin.
Researchconsistently shows that properly raising your head while sleeping on your stomach can help minimize the chances of permanent wrinkles on the face. Moreover, using gentle pillows when you sleep will make sure that they don’t rub too hard against your face. Also, waking up regularly or even taking short naps will help relax the facial muscles and prevent additional wrinkles.
Tips for Better Sleep When You Sleep on Your Stomach
To get better quality rest while sleeping on your stomach, try to keep your mattress firm yet comfortable. This will elevate your body enough to make sure that your spine is not bent too much, yet still provide enough cushion to maintain comfort throughout the night. To further minimize strain on the spine, use a specially designed pillow that raises your head just enough to maintain optimal alignment.
You may also want to change up your routine and alternate between back and side sleeping positions whenever possible. This will help keep muscles from becoming too used to one position and help decrease neck pain from developing. Additionally, try to avoid eating heavy meals close to bedtime since this will make it harder to sleep at night, regardless of your sleeping position.
How to Choose the Right Pillow When Sleeping on Your Stomach
When choosing a pillow for stomach sleeping, make sure to look for one that is supportive yet cushiony enough to provide comfort throughout the night. It should be made of materials like memory foam or biodegradable shredded foam so it gives just enough support while remaining breathable and comfortable against the face.
Pay attention to the size of the pillow too; it should be thick enough so it doesn’t bend when you lay down, but not too thick so as can lead to strain in the neck muscles. Moreover, it should fit snugly against the contours of your face without exerting excessive pressure.
Benefits of Sleeping on Your Back Instead of Your Stomach
As an alternative, consider sleeping on your back which is widely considered to be one of the healthiest positions. This position helps reduce pressure on the spine and neck while simultaneously allowing lymphatic flow and blood circulation throughout the body. It also prevents airway disruption that often leads to snoring and offers added comfort since no part of the body has excessive pressure or strain.
If you need more support while sleeping on your back, investing in a good quality pillow can help provide ample cushioning for proper posture support throughout the night. Additionally, using a mattress designed for back sleepers will provide more comfort by keeping the spine neutral and cushioning any pressure points.
