Could sleeping in certain positions promote the development of bags under the eyes?

Under-eye bags, characterised by swelling of the lower eyelids, are among the most common cosmetic concerns. Genetic predisposition, the passage of time, a short night's sleep, a salty meal, alcohol consumption... The causes of under-eye bags are numerous. We distinguish two types of bags : aqueous bags, primarily resulting from water accumulation and/or poor lymphatic drainage, and adipose bags, resulting from a downward shift of subcutaneous fatty tissues. The latter are thus due to gravity and the sagging of collagen and elastin fibres that occurs as we age and therefore have no connection with the sleeping position adopted. As for aqueous bags, the question is more complex.

Aqueous bags are intimately linked to the circulation of fluids in the body, a factor that can be influenced by sleep position. During the day, when we are standing or sitting, fluids are subject to gravity, which prevents them from accumulating in the facial region. However, at night, in a lying position, gravity no longer plays the same role, and blood and lymph may tend to accumulate in the soft tissues of the face, particularly around the eye contour, a highly vascularized area. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that the position in which one sleeps could influence the occurrence of these water-filled bags under the eyes.

• Is sleeping on your back a good idea to prevent water bags under the eyes?

  Sleeping on one's back is often considered the most beneficial sleep position for the skin, whether it's to prevent sleep wrinkles or to limit the appearance of bags under the eyes. However, while this position does indeed allow for a relatively even distribution of bodily fluids and avoids exerting pressure on the facial skin, it's worth noting that the posture of the head also plays a significant role.

  In fact, to prevent under-eye bags, it is generally advised to slightly elevate one's pillow. This tip promotes the drainage of fluids downward by gravity, preventing them from accumulating in the soft tissues around the eyes. This is particularly useful during the deep sleep phase, when body movements are reduced and fluids have more time to accumulate in highly vascularized areas of the body, such as the eye contour. It is also worth noting that there are ergonomic pillows designed to support the natural curvature of the neck, thereby reducing the compression of blood vessels around the neck and head. This can promote better fluid circulation and could therefore limit the occurrence of under-eye bags.

• Sleeping on your side or stomach, between fluid accumulation and compression of the microcirculation.

  Sleeping on your stomach or side is more commonly associated with the development of under-eye bags, particularly because the face is in direct contact with the pillow. Indeed, this position exerts a pressure on the blood vessels of the face, which can limit the natural drainage of fluids from the peri-orbital region, resulting in visible swelling upon waking.

  Furthermore, unlike the supine position, sleeping on the stomach or side subjects the face to a downward redistribution of fluids, facilitated by gravity. Blood and lymph tend to migrate towards the frontal part of the face and accumulate there, particularly around the eye contour, an area which, as mentioned earlier, is richly vascularised. This phenomenon is further accentuated if the head is not properly positioned or if it is too low in relation to the rest of the body.

Even though many people advocate sleeping on one's back, no study has so far demonstrated a link between sleep position and the development of under-eye bags. At present, this remains a hypothesis.