Why Do We Look Different When We Wake Up?

Have you ever woken up, looked in the mirror, and wondered, "Why does my face look so different this morning?" Waking up with a swollen face is a common experience for all of us. But what are its actual reasons?

After hours of sleep, you wake up and look at yourself in the mirror. You notice that you have puffy eyes, dull skin, and a bloated face and that you look slightly different than the way you looked before going to bed last night. Shortly after you wash your face, drink some water, and start moving, your face slowly returns to its neutral state. To understand why this happens, we need to first understand what happens to our bodies when we sleep.

During sleep, our bodies go through various regenerative processes, such as producing collagen and repairing damaged skin cells, which can make our skin appear younger and more vibrant. However, if we are sleep deprived, our skin may appear less radiant, and it may take some time to regain its usual appearance.

Our diets and hydration levels also play a huge role in how we look. Having poor eating habits, going to sleep dehydrated, or consuming salty meals and alcohol before bed can cause puffiness and make our skin look dull and pale in the morning. So it is crucial to have a balanced diet and keep a bottle of water on your nightstand to remind you to drink your water either at night or in the morning.

Another reason we look different in the morning is gravity and the position we sleep in. During our sleep, our bodies and our facial muscles are at rest, and gravity can lead to fluid buildup in certain areas of our faces, causing them to swell, especially when we're sleeping on our side or stomach; however, sleeping on our back may alleviate the fluid buildup.

Additionally, there are other causes related to health conditions, such as allergies to dander, pollen, or dust inhaled during the night.

Morning puffiness can also be caused by infections such as sinus infections, menstruation, and hypothyroidism.

How Can You Prevent Facial Swelling In The Morning?

As I mentioned above, the best way to prevent facial bloating is to stay hydrated throughout the day and into the night to help flush out excess fluids in your body.

Balanced diet: Avoid salty and high-sodium foods, alcohol, and caffeine, especially before going to bed.

Sleep on your back: Sleeping on your back with your head elevated can aid in avoiding fluid accumulation in your face.

Choose a comfy pillow: The next time you go shopping for your bedding accessories, choose a comfortable pillow to avoid wrinkles or lines of discoloration in the morning that a bad pillow can cause.

Morning puffiness is usually a normal thing many of us experience. However, if the swelling bothers you or doesn't fade away during the day, you may want to see a doctor to learn more about your case. Also, remember to take good care of yourself and your body; it's the only place you have to live!