The Truth About Beauty Sleep

What can looking at the skin tell you about your sleep? 

Quite a bit. In a 2017 Study on the negative effects of restricted sleep on facial appearance and social appeal, researchers found that acute sleep deprivation and looking tired are related to decreased attractiveness and health, as perceived by others. This suggests that one might also avoid contact with sleep-deprived or sleepy-looking individuals as a strategy to reduce health risk and poor interactions. 

Also, in a study conducted in 2013 on the Cues of Fatigue: Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Facial Appearance, evidence showed that when evaluating pictures of sleepy people, they were extremely easy to identify.  

What are the effects of sleep deprivation on the skin? 

Dull, dry skin is one of the most frustrating signs of visible aging for a lot of my patients. Deep sleep’s cellular repair and the sleep-related surge of HGH promote the body’s repair of damaged skin cells and the growth of new ones, creating more of the dewy, youthful look that everyone wants.  

And sleep’s hydration powers are critical to combat dry, dull skin. When we’re dehydrated, our skin looks tired and dull. A lack of sleep can contribute to dehydration by interrupting the release of the hormone vasopressin, which plays a key role in keeping the body hydrated. 

During sleep, the body sweats as a way to maintain its core temperature. Sweating brings moisture to the cells of the skin’s uppermost layers, filling them with water and leaving skin looking full and firm.  

Stress makes skin appear dull. The stress hormone cortisol can affect blood circulation to cells throughout the body, including to the skin. A routine of sleeping well helps keep stress in check. That can translate into more vitality and radiance in the appearance of your skin.  

Sleep deprivation also lowers circulation, making skin look pale, dull, and washed out. A healthy night’s sleep promotes healthy circulation and more vibrant-looking skin.  

“A healthy night’s sleep promotes healthy circulation and more vibrant-looking skin.”