Sleep is a fundamental part of our health. Though we have all heard the term “beauty sleep,” there’s scientific evidence that sleep is crucial to maintaining our appearance. This isn’t just some fairy tale cliché. Researchers have found numerous ways in which sleep impacts how we look and feel. When we rest, we are also healing our skin and body. Over the course of the day, our skin is damaged by the sun and environment. Deep sleep can generate growth hormones[1] and new cells[2] that help our bodies recover from this damage. In addition to helping your skin, sleep has been linked to other aspects of your health. Poor quality sleep can impact your mental health, weight, and immune system.[3] This is what you should know about how sleep can affect your appearance.
The beauty of a good night sleep
Having a restful night doesn’t just make you look good, it also helps you feel good. There’s a correlation between someone’s appearance and their self-esteem. When you feel attractive[4], you carry yourself with more confidence and are more ready to meet new people and try exciting things. How many times have you heard someone decline an invitation for something because of their appearance? This sense of self-confidence is often an indicator that you’re putting in the hard work in taking care of your body. So, a good night sleep isn’t just about feeling better rested, it’s linked to other aspects of your well-being that can help you reach your goals. These are five scientifically proven beauty benefits of being well-rested.
Less Wrinkles
Wrinkles can be frustrating. In our pop culture, along with grey hairs, they are the telltale sign of aging. You find one and you freak out. Though no one can stop the clock, there are things you can do on a daily basis to mitigate the situation and decrease the amount of wrinkles. And sometimes it’s remarkably simple as getting a good night’s sleep. As you sleep, your body boosts the blood to flow to the epidermis, leading to your skin rebuilding and producing new collagen. Collagen can prevent sagging, aging, and wrinkles.[5] So, if you create more and more collagen while sleeping, the less wrinkles you will have. Good sleep can lead to a plumper appearance that connotes health and youthfulness. When it comes to our appearances, there’s a wide array of preferences. If you are primarily concerned with wrinkles, you can always look into specific products that are suited for your needs. For instance, retinoid cream can be a great option for anyone who wants to maintain youthful looking skin. It consists of tretinoin which has scientifically been shown to improve your skin quality by decreasing fine lines and is prescribed by dermatologists. When choosing skincare products, it’s important to do the proper research to find what suits your unique needs.
Treatments for puffy eyes
Unfortunately, when you don’t get enough sleep, you can get swollen eyes and dark eyes.[6] This can take a toll on your self-confidence because you look stressed and overwhelmed. No one wants to hear — Oh you look tired, are you okay? Getting a good night sleep can help you get rid of those dark circles and give you a bright, glowing appearance. When you go to bed, sleep with the pillows beneath your head so you can increase blood flow and stop blood from draining beneath your eyes.
Less acne breakouts
Did you know that a poor sleeping habit is linked to acne breakouts? When you don’t sleep well, you have an increased amount of stress hormones and your hormonal balance gets thrown off. This can subsequently result in acne breakouts. [7] Acne breakouts are a huge barrier to self-confidence and waking up and going about your day with stress pimples and hormonal acne can really impact your self-esteem. Try your best to get seven to nine hours of sleep so you emerge stress-free and with less breakouts.
Healthier, Better Skin
There’s a direct relationship between your quality of sleep and skin health. [8] When you sleep, your skin is healing itself from the environmental damage of the previous day. Hence, bad sleep patterns can stop your skin from doing this healing and subsequently lead to worsening any skin conditions you may already have. But don’t worry! There are things you can do to manage the situation. If you have a few consecutive nights of restful sleep, your skin can improve fairly quickly. Better, healthier blood flow can also result in a move even skin tone once you wake up.
Manage Your Weight
Not only does it help you maintain your skin appearance, skin helps manage your metabolism and body weight.[9] A study found a relationship between higher levels of ghrelin and sleep[10] quality. What is ghrelin? Commonly referred to as the “hunger hormone,” ghrelin can trigger your appetite, boost fat storage, and make you hungrier. Though managing your weight requires various methods, it’s been scientifically proven that having quality sleep is a crucial part to sustaining your health.
You shouldn’t dismiss “sleeping beauty” as some silly myth. In fact, science has shown that there are various benefits to getting a good night’s sleep. That’s why it’s important for you to do what you can to get well-rested. Incorporate these practical tips to your nightly routine and prioritize your sleep. However, good sleep doesn’t come naturally to many people. If you’re having trouble getting some quality rest, you may have to invest in an extra comfy, supportive mattress and bedding that’s cozy and impeccably designed. Sleep is a valuable aspect of having a healthy, happy life. And so, parents should make sure their children are well-rested from a young age.
How Can Nook Help You Sleep Better?
Check out our wide array of crib mattresses, big kid mattresses, cozy bedding, and pillows for your child. Regardless of age, it’s time that we all start to take sleep a little more seriously. Beauty sleep is very much real and it’s totally worth doing what you can to ensure that you get some.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC297368/
[2] https://www.bbc.com/news/health-23932577
[3] https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-deprivation/effects-on-body
[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25266053/
[5] https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/beauty-sleep#1
[6] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23997369/
[7] http://sleepeducation.org/news/2013/07/24/sleep-quality-may-impact-skin
[8] http://sleepeducation.org/news/2013/07/24/sleep-quality-may-impact-skin
[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC535701/
[10] https://news.uchicago.edu/story/sleep-loss-limits-fat-loss-study-finds