Why do my face and eyes swell up in the morning?
Feb 24, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Xinju
Introduction
1. Consuming excessive water or salt before bedtime can lead to sodium and water retention in the body. During prolonged nighttime sleep—when there is no urination or sweating—fluid may accumulate.
2. Emotional excitement before bed, such as crying or shedding tears, may also cause facial and periorbital edema upon waking the next morning.
Sometimes, upon waking up in the morning and looking in the mirror, we notice not only facial swelling but also periorbital edema (swelling around the eyes). So, what causes facial and periorbital swelling upon waking? Below, we address this question.
What Causes Facial and Periorbital Swelling Upon Waking?
1. Excessive fluid intake or high salt consumption before bedtime can lead to sodium and water retention in the body. During prolonged nighttime sleep—when neither urination nor sweating occurs—fluid may accumulate, resulting in facial and periorbital swelling upon waking. This is a normal physiological phenomenon.
2. Emotional agitation before bed—such as crying or shedding tears—can also contribute to facial and periorbital swelling the following morning.
3. Late-night sleeping, chronic sleep deprivation, insomnia, or poor-quality sleep may impair normal fluid circulation, thereby increasing the likelihood of facial and periorbital swelling upon waking.
4. Poor sleeping posture—particularly sleeping with the head lower than the feet—may promote increased blood flow and fluid accumulation in the face and periorbital region, leading to morning swelling.
5. Cardiovascular disorders—especially heart failure—can cause facial and periorbital edema, as well as generalized edema.
6. Impaired kidney function may hinder adequate excretion of ingested fluids, resulting in fluid retention in the face and periorbital area and causing swelling.
The above outlines the common causes of facial and periorbital swelling upon waking. We hope this information is helpful to you.
