The Way You Sleep Could Be Making You Look Older
You might be getting your beauty sleep—but is your sleep position sabotaging your skin? Find out why snoozing on your side or stomach could be aging your face faster than you think, and what experts say you can do to stop it.
6/9/20251 min read
We all know a bad night’s sleep can leave you looking rough, but get this: your favorite sleeping position might actually be aging your face faster than time itself.
According to cosmetic surgeon Dr. Svetlana Danovich, sleeping on your side or stomach causes compression and friction against your pillow that can lead to wrinkles, sagging skin, and those dreaded “sleep lines” that don’t always fade after coffee.
Why? Because the skin on your cheeks, jaw, and chest gets smashed into the pillow night after night, wearing down your collagen and elasticity—aka the stuff that keeps you looking young.
But don’t stress—there are a few easy fixes:
Sleep on your back. It’s the best position for keeping your face wrinkle-free while you rest.
Elevate your head slightly. This can help reduce puffiness and fluid buildup.
Switch to a silk pillowcase. Less friction, fewer lines—and bonus, better hair days.
Try an ergonomic pillow that keeps you from rolling over in your sleep.
Moral of the story? Beauty sleep is real—but only if you're sleeping the right way. Your future face will thank you.