Getting your beauty sleep can make all the difference in the world especially with regards to your skin. When you drift off to the land of nods, your body kicks into repair mode and works to mend the damage caused during the day. Don’t believe us? Here’s some evidence: a 2017 study by Swedish scientists showed that getting enough sleep can make individuals look more attractive. Participants randomly rated photos of 23 men and women based on their looks and each person was snapped twice, once after a normal night’s sleep and once after sleep deprivation. The second lot of people looked a lot less attractive, according to the judges.
How sleep affects skin
Think of sleep as food for your brain and body. A 2019 study showed that when you’re asleep, the cerebrospinal (read: a liquid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord) fluid rinses out the toxins in and out of the brain. This prevents neurodegeneration over the years. Sleeping is like a soothing balm for your skin and can help with recovery from inflammation and redness. Lack of sleep, on the other hand, causes dark circles and puffy eyes and continuous deprivation can lead to premature ageing like wrinkles and lines.
Benefits of beauty sleep
Less puffy under-eyes
If you’re tired of trying out every beauty hack and product under the sun to get rid of tired-looking eyes, sleeping for seven to nine hours might be worth a shot. Lack of sleep causes the blood vessels around your eyes to expand and look more reddish-blue.
Brighter skin
Getting enough sleep can keep your cortisol aka stress hormone levels in check. Lack of it triggers inflammation which results in the breakdown of collagen which ultimately causes your skin to appear ashy and dull.
Healthier skin
Overall, getting enough sleep boosts blood flow which can help improve skin tone and texture. Your skin uses the time when you’re asleep to repair all the damage it has undergone during the day.
So, how many hours a day do I need to sleep?
According to the USA-based National Sleep Foundation, all healthy adults need seven to nine hours of sleep to boost their quality of life and development. When deciding the best time to fall asleep, we take into account something called our circadian rhythm. Think of this as your brain’s natural wake and sleep schedule. Studies have shown that people are most likely their sleepiest at two points at night: between 1 pm to 3 pm and between 2 am to 4 am. The best time to go to sleep can differ for everyone but it is definitely should be one that you can stick to–even on the weekends. A recent study however has shown that falling asleep between 10 and 11 pm can benefit your heart health.
The effects of sleep deprivation
Simply put, lack of sleep can take a toll on your skin health and accelerate the signs of ageing. You’ll see an increase in fine lines, pigmentation, rougher skin, and reduced elasticity. This all comes back to your body kicking into repair and rejuvenation mode at night, which doesn’t get activated at all because of a lack of zzzs.
A simple night-time skincare routine to try
Your night-time routine doesn’t have to be fancy to work. Just make sure you’re using a gentle cleanser to remove all the sunscreen and make-up from the surface of the skin, use a serum that helps with certain skin concerns and seal in the goodness with moisturiser. If you’re looking for an ingredient that helps with acne, consult your dermatologist and add retinol to your routine. For some serious brightening, try vitamin C twice a day and for dehydrated skin, try hyaluronic acid.
How to set up a schedule for beauty sleep
Start practising a relaxing pre-bedtime routine to unwind before bed.
Stop using electronic devices before bed.
Stick to the same sleeping time every day, even on weekends.
Make sure you’re sleeping on the right mattress, the temperature in your room is optimal and all bright lights have been turned off.
Try spritzing a relaxing lavender or rose mist on your bedding and pillows to relax your body and mind.
All in all, we can conclude that getting enough sleep can do wonders for your body, inside and out. If you’re struggling with sleep, it is best to consult your doctor and figure out the root of the problem.
FAQs
How does sleeping with make-up affect the skin?
Sleeping with make-up consistently can clog your pores and cause acne. If you’re wearing water-resistant sunscreen and make-up, make sure you double cleanse to remove all traces of both.
Can lack of sleep cause skin to sag faster?
Sleep deprivation affects the moisture levels of the skin, throwing its pH balance in a tizzy. Sleep loss makes your skin cells age faster.