Q My face pulls more after I sleep. Do my sleeping posture or pillow have an effect?
A Yes. Sleeping while pressing on the affected side, or with the neck bent, worsens blood flow around the facial nerve and is a reason symptoms are worse in the morning. Lying on the opposite side or on your back, and using a pillow of the right height that supports the cervical spine, can help.
Detailed Answer
If the spasm side is compressed during sleep, blood flow to the facial nerve decreases and swelling around the nerve can develop. In particular, a posture with the neck excessively bent or rotated also affects the blood vessels adjacent to the cervical spine through which the facial nerve passes. We recommend a low memory-foam pillow that naturally maintains the cervical curve, and, if possible, lying with the unaffected side (the side without symptoms) down. Applying a warm towel compress to the neck and back of the head before bed relaxes stiffness and helps reduce nighttime spasms.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
When the cervical alignment is off, blood flow to the brain is obstructed and circulation in the head and face worsens. Releasing the area around the cervical spine with craniosacral chuna and acupuncture improves the nerve environment during sleep and helps reduce morning symptoms.
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