Can sleeping on your side cause hair loss?

Author: Citlalli Ullrich  |  Last update: Friday, November 14, 2025

Can sleeping on one side cause hair loss? The short answer is no. Pattern baldness is not caused by sleeping on your side. Your follicles are actually preprogrammed in their DNA to grow (and, unfortunately, shed) in their own unique way.

Is sleeping on my side causing hair loss?

Reduced Blood Circulation: The habit of sleeping on one side can lead to reduced blood circulation to the scalp during sleep. This can prevent hair follicles from receiving enough oxygen and nutrients, leading to hair loss.

What is the best position to sleep in to prevent hair loss?

Sleeping position matters

If you are a back sleeper, it is probably the best for the scalp, as it minimises hair friction and prevents damage. Those who sleep on their side, left or right, should prefer switching positions to evenly distribute the pressure on the scalp and prevent hair loss.

What is your body lacking if your hair is thinning?

Vitamin D.

Vitamin D is essential for creating the cells that develop into hair follicles. It also supports healthy bones and your immune system. If you have hair loss and low vitamin D levels, your doctor may recommend vitamin D supplements.

Why am I losing hair on the side of my head?

Genetics, stress, and sickness are just a few of the numerous potential reasons why someone could lose hair on one side of their head. However, issues including irregular hair development, hormonal imbalances, and inflamed scalp can also be some of the most prevalent causes of losing hair side of the head.

Effects Of Sleep On Hair Loss

Can thin hair become thick again?

Yes, absolutely! Stress, excessive heat styling, age and even genetics can deplete your hair's thickness. Keeping your scalp and roots healthy is how you can promote the growth of thick hair. You can do the same by oiling regularly, refraining from wearing tight hairstyles and following a nourishing hair care routine.

How do I know if I'm losing too much hair?

It may be a sign that you're losing too much hair if: Increased shedding. Thinning or bald spots. Changes in hairline.

Can hair grow back after thinning?

You might be able to reverse hair loss, or at least slow it. With some conditions, such as patchy hair loss (alopecia areata), hair may regrow without treatment within a year. Treatments for hair loss include medications and surgery.

What does thyroid hair loss look like?

Severe and prolonged hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause loss of hair. The loss is diffuse and involves the entire scalp rather than discrete areas. The hair appears uniformly sparse.

How to stop hair falling out while sleeping?

Protecting hair while sleeping

A silk or satin pillowcase can help prevent hair breakage caused by friction, tangling, and tugging. Going to sleep with wet hair may weaken the strands and may cause breakage. When hair is wet, it is in a vulnerable state.

Why is my hair thinning on the sides female?

In other cases, thinning hair is triggered by something going on inside the body — for instance, a thyroid problem, a shift in hormones, a recent pregnancy, or an inflammatory condition. Hair loss may also be genetic. The most common genetic condition is known as female-pattern hair loss, or androgenic alopecia.

Is hair loss from lack of sleep reversible?

In many cases, yes. Hair loss related to temporary triggers like short-term stress or insufficient deep sleep can often be reversed once the underlying cause is treated and removed. The key is focusing on improving overall health habits, including getting enough restful sleep consistently. Your locks should recover.

Why is my hair so thin I can see my scalp?

A visible scalp through your hair can be a sign that it's thinning (but not always). The factors that contribute to thinning hair (and thus a visible scalp) include stress, diet, vitamin deficiency and ageing.

How to wake up sleeping hair follicles?

Several factors can contribute to reviving dormant hair follicles, including:
  1. Scalp massage.
  2. Essential oils.
  3. Supplements and vitamins.
  4. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT)
  5. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.
  6. Dietary changes.
  7. Stress management.

Which hormone causes hair loss in females?

Androgenic alopecia is generally used to describe female pattern hair loss, it is the most common cause of hair loss in women. It usually occurs after menopause because of an excess of androgens (“male hormones”) such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) caused by rapidly decreasing estrogen.

What are signs that your thyroid is out of whack?

Symptoms
  • Tiredness.
  • More sensitivity to cold.
  • Constipation.
  • Dry skin.
  • Weight gain.
  • Puffy face.
  • Hoarse voice.
  • Coarse hair and skin.

How to reverse thyroid hair loss?

Here are a few ways to reverse hair loss caused by thyroid conditions:
  1. Treating the underlying cause: ...
  2. Monitor iron and nutrient status: ...
  3. Regulate your stress: ...
  4. Eat a balanced diet: ...
  5. Avoid hair treatments or abuse: ...
  6. Take only those hair supplements that are prescribed by the doctor: ...
  7. Maintain a healthy lifestyle:

Can low iron cause hair loss?

Low iron levels can lead to hair loss. Iron deficiency can trigger a condition called telogen effluvium, which increases hair shedding and limits hair growth. Iron deficiency hair loss can be reversed if you get your iron levels back to normal. Oral iron supplements can help replenish your body's iron stores.

What does stress hair loss look like?

No Visible Pattern. With stress-related shedding, hair falls out evenly all over your scalp instead of in a defined pattern. You'll likely notice more hairs than usual coming out while shampooing, combing, or on your pillow, clothing, and bathroom floor.

Can thin hair go back to being thick?

While there is no way to change the texture of the hair follicles, there are many ways to make the hair appear thicker and reduce breakage and hair loss, such as eating a nutritious diet and scalp massage. Thin or thinning hair is common and can affect anyone.

How much hair loss is worrying?

It's normal to lose hair. We can lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day, often without noticing. Hair loss is not usually anything to be worried about, but occasionally it can be a sign of a medical condition. Some types of hair loss are permanent, like male and female pattern baldness.

What is the best shampoo for hair loss?

Top shampoos for thinning hair, at a glance
  • Best Overall: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, $15.
  • Best for Thickening: Kérastase Densifique Thickening Shampoo, $44.
  • Best for Damaged Hair: Vegamour Hydr-8 Shampoo, $38.
  • Best for Volume: Bumble and Bumble Thickening Volume Shampoo, $37.

Should hair come out when running fingers through it?

It's perfectly normal to lose a few stray strands when running your fingers, or a comb, through your hair. But if you notice increased hair being pulled out when you are being gentle, this can be a cause of concern that you should get checked over.

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