A well-known US emergency room physician has sounded an alarm over a common bedtime habit that millions practice nightly. Dr Joe Whittington, who has gained popularity on TikTok with over two million followers, claims that regularly sleeping on one side of the face may gradually change facial structure and lead to long-lasting wrinkles.
In a viral video, Dr Joe explained that consistent pressure and friction against the pillow can cause vertical sleep lines and facial asymmetry that may not fade after waking — and, in some cases, cannot be corrected even with injectables such as Botox. He referenced a National Library of Medicine study involving twins which demonstrated the visible impact of long-term sleep positioning on facial ageing.
He noted that chronic pressure compresses the skin and repeatedly folds it in the same areas night after night, resulting in deep, persistent wrinkles over time.
However, Dr Joe offered simple solutions that don’t require sacrificing comfort. His top recommendation is to sleep on the back, which he described as “the gold standard for facial ageing,” helping reduce pressure on the face and allowing fluid to drain more evenly. He also suggested switching to a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and prevent creasing. For those who struggle with sleeping upright, he advised alternating the side you lie on each night to give the face balanced exposure.
“I’m a side sleeper — I know it’s hard,” he admitted, “but small adjustments like these really add up over the years.”
Dr Joe also shared a one-minute relaxation hack for those who struggle to fall asleep due to overthinking. Known as the “Infinity Tracing Technique,” it involves tracing an infinity symbol slowly in the air with a finger and following it only with the eyes. The gentle movement activates the brain’s vestibular centre, helping the body relax. Though not a substitute for professional help, many viewers praised the method for calming night-time anxiety.
With Botox-resistant wrinkles, sagging and facial asymmetry at stake, Dr Joe’s message is clear: your sleeping position may matter more than any anti-ageing serum on your shelf.
