As bizarre as it sounds, yes!
The American Academy of Dermatology warns that sleeping in the same position every night can eventually cause “sleep lines” such as forehead and eye wrinkles. These are the creases that form on your skin’s surface while you sleep. These usually disappear a few minutes after you’ve gotten up. But, if you have a consistent sleeping position, the sleep lines can remain etched into your skin. This is particularly noticeable as you age and your skin loses its elasticity.
It actually makes a lot of sense. Just like any repetitive facial movement, such as squinting, frowning or smiling, if you’re causing the same lines to form on your face over and over, the lines will eventually become permanent. If you sleep on your side, you may cause your cheeks to scrunch up toward your eyes, creating crows feet and eye wrinkles.
So what can we do to prevent sleep lines? In addition to getting a good eye wrinkle cream that contains vitamins A and C, the ADA suggests sleeping on your back. Now, if you’re like me and you twist and turn all night long, you may need some assistance in staying on your back. Try putting pillows on either side of your body. These pillows can act like bumpers and keep you from rolling over onto your side or stomach.
Best wishes for a restful sleep and a wrinkle-free morning!