From stress levels and vitamin deficiencies to creaking knees, your body can reveal all sorts of surprising things about your health. But could you spot if symptoms are down to something serious or just a natural part of ageing? Here's what to check for.
GRINDING TEETH
Often occurring at night, this is known as bruxism. The result is an eerie grinding noise as the two sets of teeth scrape against each other, says Dr Deborah Lee from doctorfox.co.uk. 'In extreme cases it can cause jaw pain, earache, tinnitus and even broken teeth.' Try a night-time mouth guard, fitted by your dentist. Bruxism is often related to anxiety and depression, so see your GP if you think this is the cause.
WHOOSHING
A whooshing sound when you're lying with your head on a pillow is often down to the blood moving through arteries and veins that run behind your ears - more noticeable because of the quietness of night. 'If it's in time with your heartbeat, this could suggest pulsatile tinnitus,' says Ayurvedic practitioner Sunita Passi. Relaxation techniques before bed can help slow your heart rate and aid sleep. Whooshing could indicate an ear infection or, occasionally, a blood vessel blockage, so get checked if you're concerned.
DRY AND CRACKED LIPS
This may indicate you’re short of B vitamins. ‘Cracks around the corners of your lips and an inflamed tongue are classic signs,’ says clinical nutritionist Suzie Sawyer. ‘B vitamins are water soluble, so they are easily excreted, especially when stressed,’ adds Suzie. Good sources include beans, lentils and wholegrain cereals. But avoid – or at least limit – tea, coffee and alcohol, as they can affect the absorption.
PUFFY EYES
Halting hay fever is essential, as itchy, red or watery eyes can lead to premature lines. Inflammation causes the skin to stretch, then the loose skin can develop into wrinkles. The solution? For most people, an antihistamine will be sufficient.
WHISTLING NOSTRILS
Temperature and humidity changes can cause your nose to sound extra musical – often at night. The good news? It’s rarely anything to worry about. ‘But it also could be nasal polyps lining the nasal passage,’ says Dr Sarah Jenkins (drsarahjenkins.co.uk). Clear things out with a decongestant for colds or an antihistamine for allergies. If you have suffered a nasal trauma, the sound might indicate a tear in the cartilage.
TINGLING HANDS
Waking up with pins and needles or even total numbness in your hands? Your sleeping position has cut off the blood supply to the nerves in your hands. Normal sensation returns when you relieve the pressure. ‘Too much alcohol depletes vitamins, which can also result in a tingling sensation,’ says Dr Chun Tang, a GP at Pall Mall Medical. ‘Other possible causes include a damaged nerve or an autoimmune disease.’ It’s important that you speak with your GP if this keeps happening.
DANDRUFF
Flaky scalp? ‘Dandruff may indicate you are low in the mineral selenium and vitamin B6,’ says Suzie. ‘Selenium deficiency can also make you more prone to fungal infections generally, such as discoloured nails and thrush.’ Snack on selenium-rich foods, such as Brazil nuts (three a day) and sunflower seeds. Brown rice is a...
GRINDING TEETH
Often occurring at night, this is known as bruxism. The result is an eerie grinding noise as the two sets of teeth scrape against each other, says Dr Deborah Lee from doctorfox.co.uk. 'In extreme cases it can cause jaw pain, earache, tinnitus and even broken teeth.' Try a night-time mouth guard, fitted by your dentist. Bruxism is often related to anxiety and depression, so see your GP if you think this is the cause.
WHOOSHING
A whooshing sound when you're lying with your head on a pillow is often down to the blood moving through arteries and veins that run behind your ears - more noticeable because of the quietness of night. 'If it's in time with your heartbeat, this could suggest pulsatile tinnitus,' says Ayurvedic practitioner Sunita Passi. Relaxation techniques before bed can help slow your heart rate and aid sleep. Whooshing could indicate an ear infection or, occasionally, a blood vessel blockage, so get checked if you're concerned.
DRY AND CRACKED LIPS
This may indicate you’re short of B vitamins. ‘Cracks around the corners of your lips and an inflamed tongue are classic signs,’ says clinical nutritionist Suzie Sawyer. ‘B vitamins are water soluble, so they are easily excreted, especially when stressed,’ adds Suzie. Good sources include beans, lentils and wholegrain cereals. But avoid – or at least limit – tea, coffee and alcohol, as they can affect the absorption.
PUFFY EYES
Halting hay fever is essential, as itchy, red or watery eyes can lead to premature lines. Inflammation causes the skin to stretch, then the loose skin can develop into wrinkles. The solution? For most people, an antihistamine will be sufficient.
WHISTLING NOSTRILS
Temperature and humidity changes can cause your nose to sound extra musical – often at night. The good news? It’s rarely anything to worry about. ‘But it also could be nasal polyps lining the nasal passage,’ says Dr Sarah Jenkins (drsarahjenkins.co.uk). Clear things out with a decongestant for colds or an antihistamine for allergies. If you have suffered a nasal trauma, the sound might indicate a tear in the cartilage.
TINGLING HANDS
Waking up with pins and needles or even total numbness in your hands? Your sleeping position has cut off the blood supply to the nerves in your hands. Normal sensation returns when you relieve the pressure. ‘Too much alcohol depletes vitamins, which can also result in a tingling sensation,’ says Dr Chun Tang, a GP at Pall Mall Medical. ‘Other possible causes include a damaged nerve or an autoimmune disease.’ It’s important that you speak with your GP if this keeps happening.
DANDRUFF
Flaky scalp? ‘Dandruff may indicate you are low in the mineral selenium and vitamin B6,’ says Suzie. ‘Selenium deficiency can also make you more prone to fungal infections generally, such as discoloured nails and thrush.’ Snack on selenium-rich foods, such as Brazil nuts (three a day) and sunflower seeds. Brown rice is a...
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Woman & Home Uk (Digital) - 1 Issue, April 2025