20 January 2024 , 19:00
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We all know the importance of a good night's sleep. But did you know it can also impact the health of your skin?
As we get older, our skin thins, becomes less elastic and more fragile. While ageing is a very natural part of life, fine lines and wrinkles are a major skin concern for many. But it seems getting your beauty sleep can really help.
According to the Sleep Foundation, insufficient sleep can weaken the immune system, which can impact the quality and strength of collagen. And experts claim that certain sleeping positions can actually make the situation worse, and stimulate visible signs of ageing.
Rebecca Swain of Winstons Beds told the Express: "Unfortunately, those who struggle with a pillow face after a heavy night's sleep are prone to wrinkles. When the skin rubs across pillows or sheets at night, it can cause premature wrinkles and lines to develop especially around our eyes and mouth. Luckily simple nighttime changes can prevent premature ageing, including sleeping on your back instead of your stomach or side."
According to Rebecca, sleeping face-down is considered the "worst position" by experts. This is because having your whole face pressed into a pillow can lead to "chronic" changes to the skin, contributing to excessive wrinkles.
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Sleeping on your side is not much better. It reinforces vertical wrinkles like frown and worry lines, which can be difficult to reduce once formed. Therefore, the best position for "prolonged and youthful skin" is on your back.
It comes after Neil Stanley, author of How To Sleep Well, revealed that the most common position for adults to sleep in is the foetal position, on the side with the knees tucked, with 41 percent of adults drifting off this way.
However, he agreed that sleeping on your back is actually the "ideal position" as it can reduce pressure on the muscles and joints - as long as you don't have sleep apnoea or snoring problems.
He also noted that sleeping on your front offers very little in terms of benefits. Sleep counsellor Sammy Margo agrees, saying: "Try not to sleep on your front, it's the worst position for deep rest.
"If you sleep on your side, put a pillow between your legs, as this aligns your hips so you're less likely to be disturbed by back pain. I encourage patients to learn to sleep on their back, with a pillow under the knees. There's less strain on your body, you don't crease and age your skin and your night creams absorb and work better."
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