Is there such a thing as “Beauty Sleep”?

When you get a good night's sleep, you feel refreshed, invigorated and ready to tackle the day.

We have all felt the amazing benefits of a restful sleep, and fortunately for those who get enough zzz’s the benefit shows directly through your complexion!

During sleep, your skin's blood flow increases, and the organs rebuild its collagen and repairs damage.

I've listed a few key points as to how sleep contributes to healthy, glowing skin.

1. Fewer Wrinkles

Skin makes new collagen when you sleep and collagen is a key component in slowing down the ageing process. 

Having more collagen means skin is plumper and less likely to wrinkle.

Only getting 5 hours a night can lead to twice as many fine lines as sleeping 7 would.  Lack of sleep also leaves skin drier, which can make lines more visible.

Bottom line, to reduce the appearance of ageing, get some more zzz's!

2. A Radiant Complexion

As mentioned earlier, the body boosts blood flow to the skin while you snooze.

This increased blood flow contributes to a healthy glow. Skimp on sleep and your complexion can look drab, ashen, or a little bit lifeless. 

3. Brighter, Less Puffy Eyes

Chances are, you’ve had dark circles or bags under your eyes after a night of not enough sleep.

Puffy eyes are one of the first things to emerge after a less than productive sleep.

Stay well-hydrated and elevate your head with an extra pillow at night which can also help reduce swelling.

Plenty of rest can also minimise dark circles as when blood isn’t flowing well - which happens when you’re low on sleep - it can collect under eyes and become visible, since the skin there is so thin.

4. Healthier, Fuller Hair

Hair loss, breakage, damage, and even growth can all be affected by lack of sleep.

Hair follicles (where hair growth begins) gain nutrients, vitamins, and minerals from blood flow.

Since blood flow decreases when we’re short on shut-eye your hair doesn’t get as much ‘food’ and it tends to weaken which leads to difficulty in growth.

Lack of Zzz's can also lead to more stress and stress causes an increase in the hormone cortisol, which can cause you to lose hair.

5. Happier, Healthier Appearance

Being short on sleep can cause the corners of your mouth to droop, making you look sadder than you do after a good night’s rest.

Red, swollen eyes, dark circles, sagging eyelids, and paler skin can also signal to others that you’re exhausted.

People who don't get enough rest are also seen as less healthy than when they’re rested.

6. Products Work Better

Your skin can focus on repairing itself while you sleep, since it isn’t defending itself from sun and free radicals (harmful molecules from the environment). Blood flow is also more consistent, and this helps your skin benefit from the flesh-repairing ingredients in your beauty products.

Skin also loses more water when you sleep than it does during the day.

Apply a heavier oil befor bed and drink plenty of water during the day to help your complexion stay hydrated overnight.