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    What a lack of sleep does to your face

    Updated:2 May 2016 3:38 PM | Posted by
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    Beth E
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    We all know sleep is important for overall health, but a new study’s shown it can also make a scary difference to the long-term appearance of your skin.

    To investigate the effect, the London-based The Sleep School initially conducted a sleep survey of 11,000 people, finding almost half were getting just six hours (or less) sleep per night.

    Then, they put Daily Mail writer Sarah Chalmers’ face to the test.

    First, the 46-year-old had her skin quality analysed by a facial scan. It found that she had quite good skin for a Caucasian woman of her age, as well as fewer than average wrinkles.

    But this was soon to change. Following instructions, she spent one night sleeping for just four hours (half the recommended daily requirement). After a three-day recovery period, she bumped it up slightly to six hours for five consecutive nights.

    Unsurprisingly, following the five-day stint, the writer felt forgetful, clumsy and emotional. But it was the long-term impact on her skin that shocked her the most...

    Photo credit: dailymail.co.uk

    Her pores had more than doubled in size and her skin tone was also 50 per cent redder. And that wasn’t all she noticed:

    “My eyes have dark rings underneath and my skin is lacklustre, with pores so enlarged I can see them from a distance. To top it all off, a couple of spots are beginning to develop on my chin,” she said.

    But just how did a lack of sleep lead to Chalmers’ ravaged complexion?

    Well, according to cosmetic dermatologist Dr Anita Sturnham, “sleep loss causes the body to release too little human growth hormone, which promotes the repair of skin cells.”

    Apparently, it also leads to your body releasing “increased levels of cortisol, which breaks down skin collagen and elastin, the protein fibres that keep the skin smooth and give the skin its elasticity”.

    London Sleep Centre Medical Director Dr Irshaad Ebrahim summed up the effect nicely, saying it’s “the physical equivalent of keeping driving your car over a pothole, day after day”.

    “Your car gets more and more damaged the longer you do it, just as your body becomes more and more damaged the longer you deprive it of sleep,” he says.

    Yep, there’s a reason they call it beauty sleep!

    And with so many of us now juggling long work hours, family obligations and busy social lives, it seems it’s never been more important to prioritise it.

    How much sleep do you get each night? Is sleep something you think about with regards to skincare?

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    67 Member Comments

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    Miramarmari 18 Feb 2021 5:42 PM

    Working shift work at a nurse morning, afternoon or night plays up with my sleep patterns. I have since started switching off all devices and putting my phone onto do not disturb mode to help me with easing into a sleep pattern

    BeautySwan88 1 Nov 2020 2:32 PM

    This scares me a little.. I need my beauty sleep stat!

    NatC 17 Aug 2017 3:25 PM

    Yes you definitely need your sleep!

    BeautifulJusty 5 Jul 2017 5:41 PM

    Not good, especially the bags under the eyes. Sleep is everything, a priority.

    lynx 6 Nov 2015 2:32 PM

    An unbroken sleep is what I really need.

    Petal 16 Sep 2015 1:13 AM

    I can't see much difference in the before and after photos, but I have no doubt that lack of sleep effects everything - physically, mentally and emotionally. I have been having a terrible time with my sleep patterns, and I feel the effects of it on a daily basis.

    Amanda 28 May 2015 3:29 AM

    I do shift work, so my sleep quantity and quality is quite poor. Our shifts vary from week to week, so my body is constantly feeling jetlagged and there is no regular sleeping pattern. After almost 3 years, I can feel the effects on all areas of my body and soul! Looking to get free asap.

    Shop A Everyday 23 May 2015 9:05 AM

    oh i so believe this

    Elefante 21 May 2015 1:13 AM

    My sleeping patterns definitely show!

    Divine Diva 21 May 2015 12:29 AM

    I'm lucky if I get 4-5 hrs a night as I have a young baby so sleep goes out the window unfortunately. I have to say that it does show on your face when you don't get enough sleep.

    freaky 20 May 2015 1:01 PM

    Yep its taken its toll on me

    Linda_Vesinger 20 May 2015 7:57 AM

    Wow, really notice the difference. I function much better when I get at least 7 hours a night & do try & get 8 when I can

    Snyman 20 May 2015 6:19 AM

    If I don't sleep I look dreadful. I never skimp on this beauty essential

    Growing old 20 May 2015 3:43 AM

    I notice such a difference in my skin when I don't get enough sleep so this study doesn't suprise me. As Trish said...lack of sleep affects many things- all not good and I couldn't agree more! Even one bad night I can see it. Probably the many years I was insomniac has contributed to my premature ageing...that I hadn't thought of! I tend to get my most solid sleep after hubby gets up at 4.30am (although he has a habit of coming in and out and lights turned on!) and unfortunately I could then sleep for hours and hours. If I wake naturally I always feel and look better. As I'm getting older I understand why so many couples sleep in seperate beds! I'd look amazing if I did!! ;)

    Redrobyn 20 May 2015 3:08 AM

    That's why I look like I do. I really need about a months sleep!

    Jessica712 20 May 2015 2:37 AM

    I need more sleep right NOW!!!

    bmill229 19 May 2015 1:36 PM

    Great article.

    Miss_Lee 19 May 2015 10:52 AM

    Yep, that makes sense. Whenever I've had a few days of bad sleep, it is painfully obvious on my face.

    Shari469 19 May 2015 10:20 AM

    This is exactly what I needed to read to finally convince me to get more sleep. I keep thinking of the so-called superwomen like Martha Stewart who can somehow manage on 3-4 hours a night but I just know I'm paying for it.

    Tomc 19 May 2015 9:19 AM

    I would love to sleep for 10 hours each night. I've done it a few times and have felt so good the next day but I usually only manage 7 or 8 at the most. I often look tired and have dark circles under my eyes but my busy life gets in the way of sleep..

    PrettyPrincess 19 May 2015 8:58 AM

    I'm lucky to get 6 at the moment!

    Teegy25 19 May 2015 8:02 AM

    Totally agree with this article, if I don't get 9 hours it shows not only on my skin, but my mood, motivation and overall health.

    bebeautiful34 19 May 2015 7:31 AM

    I still am not getting enough continuous sleep after having my baby and am definitely seeing the results!

    Truth 19 May 2015 6:58 AM

    I need sleep to deal with everything in life, family, my job, marathon running. Without enough sleep, I am tired, crabby and start to make silly life choices like eat a lot more sugar then I should and I look like crap too.

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