A night of proper beauty sleep can yield several benefits that you might want to consider before deciding to stay up binge-watching the next TV series on your queue.
The term "beauty sleep" is used colloquially to describe the quality of sleep that affects our physical appearance. But it is not as simple as closing your eyes and snoring yourself into a dream; rather, it is the state when your body starts to regenerate and heal itself from the stresses of the day.
Experts say that the proper beauty sleep for adults aged 18 to 64 years old should last for seven to nine hours daily.
Notable Benefits
Sleep, however, is something neglected by people nowadays. About one in three adults in the U.S. are sleep-deprived, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reasons are divided into leisure, work, and stress.
If you tend to trade hours of sleep for work or TV, you should read on to see the benefits that a proper beauty sleep could give you.
Fewer Wrinkles
Insufficient sleep impacts your skin health by reducing blood flow to the epidermis, which then hinders the body's natural collagen production. This can lead to wrinkles, sagging, and aging.
Experts say that since everything is connected in the body when sleep deprivation weakens your immune system, it also affects collagen quality and skin health. So, a good night's sleep means you'll wake up with fewer wrinkles.
Less Puffy Eyes
Insufficient sleep can lead to dark circles and puffy under-eyes. Getting enough sleep is essential for preventing these issues, as it improves blood circulation and reduces swelling. If your dark circles are influenced by genetics and skin type, and you think that quality sleep won't help, think again because sleep deprivation can still exacerbate your inborn puffiness.
Weight Loss
Lack of sleep can lead to higher levels of ghrelin, the "hunger hormone," which stimulates appetite and fat storage. If you are on a diet and working out but not reaching your weight goals, poor sleep is to blame. It can hinder fat loss and weight management efforts because, during sleep, your body regulates your metabolism.
Better Skin and Complexion
Poor sleep hinders your skin from healing; instead, it worsens conditions like sun damage. But don't worry, a few nights of good sleep can help your skin bounce back, especially in terms of moisture and hydration.
Proper sleep promotes healthy blood flow and a clear complexion. The circadian rhythm regulates skin repair, peaking in the early morning. Insufficient sleep and late bedtimes are linked to skin issues like peeling, dehydration, and increased oil production, leading to acne. On the other hand, if you have adequate sleep, you'll have excellent blood flow, enhancing a healthy glow and preventing dullness.
Less Stress
When you lack sleep, it affects your mood, making tasks feel challenging and even impacting your social interactions. This is because lack of sleep raises your stress hormones, risking clinical depression. To add to that, if you are sleep-deprived, there is a high possibility that you will have a hard time thinking and focusing the whole day, which will stress you out. Oh, the vicious cycle!
Better Hair
Insufficient sleep can negatively impact the strength and appearance of your hair. This is because when you lack sleep, there is an increase in stress levels and cortisol production, leading to increased oil production at the hair roots, resulting in greasy hair. Stress from lack of sleep can also cause hair loss by disrupting the hair growth cycle, preventing the growth stage after the hair falls out. It's a chain reaction nobody wants.
A Better "You"
Now that we have gone through the benefits of proper beauty sleep, you can decide whether you'll get the shut-eye your skin deserves or take your chances for that season-ender.
