While it is common knowledge that the skin is the largest organ in the body, did you know that your hair and nails are also a part of the integumentary system – our body’s outer layer, serving as a barrier to protect our body from the external environment? Beyond being a sign of beauty, having strong healthy hair, skin and nails are important for our health.
So, how does sleep play into this?
Beauty sleep is not just a mere saying; it holds immense truth when it comes to your general health, but also the appearance of your skin, hair, and nails. While we slumber, our bodies undergo crucial restorative processes that help rejuvenate and repair various tissues, including those that contribute to our outer beauty.
Unfortunately, with Singaporeans’ notoriously long working hours, late nights often lead to inadequate sleep and a lack of restful slumber. When we don’t get enough sleep, our bodies don’t have the time to repair and restore itself. This can lead to a host of skin problems, from dark circles and wrinkles to acne and dull skin. It can also negatively affect hair and nail health, leading to brittle nails, dull hair, hair loss and more.
Are you struggling to maintain healthy skin, hair and nails despite trying out every beauty product? Get ready to find out how getting enough sleep can make a world of difference for your body’s beauty. Let’s explore the benefits of sleeping for your skin, hair and nails!
Sleep is the ultimate beauty secret for glowing skin!
Sleep is a time for your skin to heal and regenerate. During the deep stages of sleep, our body produces growth hormone, which aids in the repair of damaged skin cells from environmental aggressors like pollution, dryness, and germs.
Our body also makes new collagen, the protein that helps give structure and function to our skin, joints, and bones. Collagen is responsible for skin elasticity meaning it can help slow down the visible signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles. Collagen also helps with the formation of fibroblasts in our skin, contributing to cell regeneration and replacement of dead skin cells, keeping our skin glowing and looking younger, healthier, for longer.
Additionally, when we get quality shut-eye, blood flow to the skin is increased which allows essential nutrients as well as oxygen to be delivered to skin cells, promoting a vibrant complexion.
Lack of quality sleep can disrupt these rejuvenating processes, leading to dull and tired-looking skin, as well as an increased likelihood of skin issues like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Your Skin
Sleep deprivation has also been linked to increased inflammation throughout the body, including the skin. Inflammation can cause various skin problems, such as redness, puffiness, and even premature ageing. On the other hand, getting sufficient sleep helps keep inflammation levels in check, contributing to a calmer and healthier complexion.
One of the most visible effects of the lack of sleep is the formation of dark circles and under-eye bags. When you don’t get enough sleep, the blood vessels under your eyes can dilate, resulting in a bluish tint. Lack of sleep also leads to fluid retention, causing puffiness and the appearance of bags under your eyes. By prioritising quality sleep, you can reduce these unwanted effects and enjoy a refreshed and bright-eyed look.
Getting enough sleep also helps keep stress hormones in check, which is important for preventing premature ageing of the skin and hair loss. When we’re stressed, our bodies produce more cortisol which can worsen inflammation throughout the body. Additionally, when you don’t get enough sleep your body produces more insulin, which leads to skin cells that are slower to regenerate.
Sleep stimulates hair growth!
Our hair also benefits greatly from a good night’s sleep. During sleep, our body stimulates hair growth through the production of keratinocytes – a type of cell that grows from stem cells and makes up to 90 percent of the cells in the outer layer of the skin. Keratinocytes produce and store keratin, the protein we’re all familiar with. Keratin contributes to the strength of our hair, skin and nails.
Without adequate rest, our hair may grow at a slower rate due to the lack of keratin and hair follicles may become weak and brittle, leading to hair breakage and thinning. By getting enough sleep, you provide your hair with the essential time it needs to grow strong, shiny, and healthy.
Who knew that sleeping was the secret to beautiful, healthy hair?
Sleep can affect your nails too!
Sleep is more than just a way to rest and recover – it has a huge impact on your nail health too! While you sleep, your body repairs and regenerates the same keratinocyte cells responsible for nail growth. Adequate rest ensures that your nails receive the necessary nutrients and hydration, promoting their strength and preventing issues like brittle nails or slow growth.
Insufficient sleep can result in elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which hinders the body’s overnight healing process. Consequently, this can lead to brittle nails, skin inflammation, and a negative impact on hair growth.
However, it is not just the quantity of sleep that matters. The quality of your sleep also plays a significant role in maintaining healthy hair and nails. Poor sleep quality can trigger excessive cortisol production, weakening both your nails and hair follicles, ultimately causing brittle nails and hair loss.
It is clear that sleep plays a vital role in the overall health and appearance of your skin, hair, and nails. Prioritising sufficient and restful sleep is essential for achieving and maintaining their natural beauty and vitality.
By now, you've realised just how important sleep is for healthy skin, hair and nails.
To ensure an uninterrupted beauty regimen, here are some tips to help you achieve better sleep:
- Develop a consistent bedtime routine – this can help signal to your body that it’s time to wind down and relax.
- Keep your phone away from the bed – staring at bright screens too close to bedtime can mess with your circadian rhythm, affecting your ability to fall asleep or achieve good quality sleep.
- Invest in comfortable bedding – having a comfortable mattress, pillow and sheets will make it easier for you to drift off into dreamland!
- Reduce stress levels before going to bed – try yoga or meditation exercises that can help keep stress levels in check.
Getting enough quality sleep is the key to glowing skin, beautiful hair and healthy nails. With some simple lifestyle changes and a consistent bedtime routine, you can be on the path to looking your best – inside and out! So take advantage of beauty sleep, and make sure you get your recommended 7-9 hours of shut eye each night for maximum beauty benefits!
We want to help you take your confidence to the next level by taking better care of your skin, hair, and nails! We hope this article has provided some useful tips and advice that will help you achieve a healthier, more radiant complexion.
