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Smart, grounded wellness for women in the middle of everything.

Beauty Sleep Isn't Just a Saying (Plus Why Chocolate Heals Hearts)


Hello my friend!

A patient asked me recently about my skincare routine, and honestly? My biggest secret isn't something I put on my face—it's how I sleep. That conversation got me thinking about the simple things that make the biggest difference in how we age and feel.

Today I want to share something that might surprise you about your sleep position, and explain why reaching for chocolate during tough times isn't a weakness—it's actually ancient wisdom.

👇 In today's email:

  • This week's inspiration: Sleeping on Your Back Can Save Your Face—and Your Boobs
  • Latest blog post: Why Chocolate Soothes the Heart (And Sometimes Saves It)
  • What I'm Listening To: The Hidden Cost of Social Media on Young Minds


Sleeping on Your Back Can Save Your Face—and Your Boobs

I'll be honest—when I first learned about the beauty benefits of back sleeping, I was skeptical. Side sleeping felt so natural, so cozy. But after seeing the difference it made in my own skin and understanding the science behind it, I became a convert.

The Face-Saving Truth

Every night you sleep on your side or stomach, you're essentially pressing your face into a pillow for 7-8 hours. Think about that—it's like getting a very gentle but persistent massage that creates creases and lines. Over time, these "sleep lines" become permanent fixtures on our faces.

When you sleep on your back, your face remains completely free from pressure and friction. No pillowcase pulling at your skin, no creases forming around your eyes or mouth. It's like giving your face a nightly vacation from gravity and pressure.

Beyond Your Face: Supporting Your Whole Body

But here's what really surprised me: back sleeping isn't just about preventing wrinkles. It's also better for maintaining the natural shape and position of your breasts. Side sleeping can contribute to sagging over time due to the pull of gravity and the way breast tissue shifts during the night.

Making the Transition

I know, I know—changing your sleep position sounds easier said than done. When I first started this journey, I felt like I was learning to sleep all over again. Here are the strategies that worked for me:

  • Start with a supportive pillow that keeps your neck aligned
  • Place small pillows on either side of your body to prevent rolling
  • Try sleeping with your arms at your sides rather than overhead
  • Be patient with yourself—it takes about 2-3 weeks to feel natural

The beauty of this approach is that it costs nothing, requires no products, and works while you sleep. It's preventive care at its most elegant—simple, natural, and effective.

Remember, every small change we make in service of our wellbeing adds up. Yes, you can transform your skin while you dream!

Read the full guide here →


Latest blog post

Why Chocolate Soothes the Heart (And Sometimes Saves It)

Do you ever notice that when you're in a certain kind of mood, nothing makes you feel better than chocolate? I discovered this truth in my early 20s, after a heartbreak that could only be soothed by copious amounts of sushi and dark chocolate.

At a recent event, I found myself reaching for chocolate again, and it got me thinking: what is it about chocolate that makes us feel so good?

The Wisdom of Bitter Medicine

In Chinese medicine, good dark chocolate is slightly bitter, and bitterness is known to calm the heart. When we're experiencing emotional agitation—whether from stress, sadness, or overwhelm—bitter flavors can literally soothe our internal chaos. It's not just comfort eating; it's instinctive medicine.

The Magnesium Connection

Chocolate is also a rich source of magnesium, a mineral that acts like nature's chill pill. When we're in distress, our bodies often crave what they need most. That irresistible pull toward chocolate during tough times? Your body might be asking for the calming magnesium it contains.

This doesn't mean we should eat chocolate for every emotional bump in the road, but it does help us understand why we're drawn to it during difficult times. Our bodies are wiser than we often give them credit for.

Discover the full story behind chocolate's healing power →


What I'm Listening To

The Hidden Cost of Social Media on Young Minds

This week, I listened to an incredibly illuminating interview on Trevor Noah's podcast featuring an NYU professor discussing technology's effects on young people's minds. While the dangers of social media aren't new news, this expert explained the situation with such clarity and calm passion that it made me deeply reflect on my own relationship with technology.

I find myself conflicted about social media. On one hand, I create content that I hope uplifts, educates, and occasionally entertains. On the other hand, I'm acutely aware of how much content out there leaves people feeling forgotten, unseen, unheard, or simply not enough.

What struck me most was how the professor offered actionable steps for rethinking technology in young people's lives, rather than just highlighting problems. As someone who's tried to thoughtfully restrict technology in my own children's lives, I found his balanced approach both validating and helpful.

It's a reminder that our relationship with technology—like our relationship with food, sleep, and self-care—requires intentionality and wisdom.

Listen to the full conversation here →


Sweet dreams and remember—small changes create beautiful transformations.

Dr. Cat 🥰


Dr. Catherine

Looking to book a session in my Newport Studio? If you are new to my practice, book a Free Consult or if you know what you want, reserve your spot for a One-on-One experience.

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© 2025 Dr. Catherine On Wellness. This content may convey general information related to medical conditions, research, testing, treatment, and other healthcare topics. Any such information is provided for informational purposes only. You should always consult a doctor or other health care professional for medical advice or information about diagnosis and treatment.

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