Doctor Kate Jameson from Youth Lab is unveiling a secret that could be silently accelerating the ageing process: your sleep position. Yes, the way you sleep could be causing those pesky wrinkles and fine lines to appear faster than they should.

Dr Kate Jameson dives into how sleeping on your side or stomach can affect your skin and what you can do to minimise these effects.

The Impact of Sleep Position on Facial Ageing

We all know that a good night’s sleep is crucial for overall health, but did you know that your sleep position could be affecting your skin? Sleeping on your side or stomach can lead to the development of sleep lines – those vertical creases that form when your face is pressed against the pillow. Over time, these lines can become permanent wrinkles, contributing to facial ageing.

Here’s how it happens:

Pressure and Compression: When you sleep on your side or stomach, the pressure of your face against the pillow causes the skin to fold and compress. This repeated compression breaks down collagen and elastin fibres, leading to the formation of wrinkles.

Reduced Blood Flow: These sleep positions can also restrict blood flow to certain areas of your face, depriving your skin of essential nutrients and oxygen needed for repair and regeneration.

Fluid Accumulation: Sleeping on your stomach can cause fluid to accumulate in the face, leading to puffiness and under-eye bags, which can make you look older and tired.

Strategies to Minimise the Effects

Now that you know how your sleep position can impact your skin, here are some strategies to help minimise these effects:

Sleep on Your Back: This is the best position for preventing sleep lines. Sleeping on your back keeps your face free from any pressure and allows for better blood flow. If you’re not used to it, try using a pillow under your knees to make it more comfortable.

Use a Silk or Satin Pillowcase: Unlike cotton, silk or satin pillowcases create less friction against your skin. This can help reduce the formation of sleep lines and keep your skin looking smoother.

Invest in an Anti-Aging Pillow: There are specially designed pillows that support your head and neck while minimising contact with your face. These pillows can help reduce pressure and prevent wrinkles.

Hydrate Your Skin: Keeping your skin well-hydrated can make it more resilient to pressure. Use a good moisturiser before bed to maintain skin elasticity and prevent dryness.

Consider Retinoids: Retinoids are known for their wrinkle-fighting properties. Incorporating a retinoid cream into your nighttime skincare routine can help boost collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Elevate Your Head: Using an extra pillow to elevate your head slightly can help reduce fluid accumulation in the face, minimising puffiness and under-eye bags.

Dr Kate Jameson from Youth Lab says:

Your sleep position might seem like a small detail, but it can have a significant impact on your skin over time. By making a few adjustments, you can help prevent sleep lines and maintain a youthful appearance. Remember, beauty sleep is not just about how long you sleep but also about how you sleep.