What might cause my face to feel weird upon waking up?

When you wake up with your face feeling strange—such as tingling, numbness, or a “pins and needles” sensation—it’s often due to pressure on nerves from how you slept. For example, sleeping with your face pressed against a pillow or in an awkward position can temporarily compress nerves and reduce blood flow, causing these sensations.

Other possible causes include:

Dry skin or irritation: Skin may feel tight or itchy after sleeping. Sinus congestion: If you have allergies or a cold, sinus pressure can cause facial discomfort. Dental issues: Teeth grinding or jaw clenching during sleep may lead to muscle soreness or nerve irritation. Usually, these sensations go away shortly after you change position and start moving around. If the weird feeling in your face continues throughout the day, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms like weakness or numbness in other parts of your body, it’s important to see a healthcare provider.