The Importance of Getting Your Beauty Rest

Many women know that a sleepless night can take a toll on the way you look. The next morning you may see dark circles under your eyes or newly formed fine lines on your face. You also may have a sickly complexion.

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Howard Murad told the Los Angeles Times that with age, sleep loss can affect skin more visibly because of progressive loss of cellular water.

Sleep allows your body to restore and prepare for the next day. Sleeping well enables you to feel, think and perform at your fullest potential.

According to the article, cell and tissue repair occurs during deep sleep, known as slow-wave sleep. Sleep deprivation can compromise this restorative phase.

Murad stated that a lack of sleep suppresses the immune system. This can lead to skin-related problems, including rashes and eczema.

Both men and women are negatively affected by sleep loss. However, there are unique factors that can interfere with a woman’s sleep. These include pregnancy and menopause. Sleep disorders, medical problems and day-to-day responsibilities also can cause women to lose sleep.

Earlier this year the Sleep Education Blog noted that a Swedish study of 400 women found that subjects slept for only about 6.5 hours per night. It took the women an average of 22 minutes to fall asleep.

Another post said that people who are constantly sleep deprived but do not suffer from a sleep disorder can use willpower to create a regular sleep schedule.

Sleep experts recommend that adults sleep between seven and eight hours each night.

Visit an AASM-accredited sleep disorders center if you are suffering from an ongoing sleep problem.