Beauty Sleep
“I need my beauty sleep.” A sentence every person known to humanity has said at least once, or twice in their lifetime. It’s a catchy cliche, but what does it actually mean? Is it actually a thing? Thankfully, science has us covered!
Believe it or not, but beauty sleep is a real thing and it refers to how our skin and body heals itself from the day that’s been had. Scientists have found that when we enter a deep sleep, our body enters ‘recovery mode’ whilst producing growth hormones. These growth hormones actually create new cells which assists with healing our skin from any damage that may have procured throughout the day. Amazingly so, the benefits of beauty sleep prevails beyond our epidermis.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, it is recommended that adults should be getting at least seven to nine hours of sleep every night. If you’re getting less than six, let’s just say people may think you ‘woke up on the wrong side of the bed’... Yes, a lack of sleep does affect your mood. Believe it or not, but poor sleep can also affect your appearance. How? Well first of all, lack of sleep is a worldwide drawback. It is commonly known that the effects of sleep deprivation can exacerbate pre-existing moods, irritability, as well as feelings of depression, anger, and anxiety. Although, there are effects of insufficient sleep coinciding with our skin and beauty that are brushed under the rug…
As I mentioned earlier, beauty sleep refers to how the body heals itself from any damage our skin and body obtains within our day. There may have been a couple of instances where you’ve woken up in the morning after a restless sleep, looked in the mirror and noticed you have pale or blotchy looking skin - I know I have! Scientists have listed a few different ways a lack of sleep can impact our image:
- Attractiveness - One study discovered that a lack of sleep can unfortunately lead to decreased attractiveness and health. When you’re feeling tired, you may also look like you are too.
- Ageing - A different study that was conducted determined that insufficient sleep accelerates the rate of intrinsic aging. It also hinders the ability of our skin to heal and recover from sun exposure, leading to the appearance of wrinkles.
- Self-Esteem - Those who suffer from poor sleep are more likely to be dissatisfied with their physical appearance as opposed to those who get their beauty sleep. Studies have found that if you get the recommended amount of sleep, you will both feel and look good!
- Skin - It’s evident that sleep deprivation causes stress, however stress then leads to quality collagen impairment, which then leads to breakouts.
It’s crazy that a cliche we all know and love is actually a real thing! I don’t know about you guys, but the girls at Ritology have beauty sleep at the top of our to do list! Stay up to date with @RitologyDaily to endure more fantastic health and beauty hacks!