We’ve all known for a while that lack of sleep negatively impacts our memory and cognitive performance. But the term, “you better get beauty rest” has always seemed like a stretch. Sure a restless night of sleep may show up the next morning as dark crescent moons under your eyes, but we never thought a lack of sleep could permanently change our appearance.
The phrase, however, “you better get your beauty sleep,” has been found to be truer than ever
before. New studies have shown links between accelerated aging and lack of sleep.
New scientific evidence
A clinical trial commissioned by Estée Lauder and conducted by physician-scientists at University Hospitals (UH) Case Medical Center, found that sleep deprivation could also make your skin age faster. The study included 60 caucasian premenopausal women between the ages of 30-49, and were classified as poor sleepers by the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index.
Led by Dr. Elma Baron, the research team found that poor sleepers recover more slowly from stressors to the skin, such as a blemish or sunburn, because the skin’s protective barrier function is weakened from chronic lack of sleep. When we miss out on a good night’s sleep, our skin’s ability to recover from the damage it incurs during the day is diminished.
“Insufficient sleep has become a worldwide epidemic. While chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to medical problems such as obesity, diabetes, cancer and immune deficiency, its effects on skin function have previously been unknown” Baron said in a press release. “Our study is the first to conclusively demonstrate that inadequate sleep is correlated with reduced skin health and accelerates skin aging. Sleep deprived women show signs of premature skin aging and a decrease in their skin’s ability to recover after sun exposure.”
This has an impact not only our skin’s health, but also its appearance. Results of the study also indicated that the women experienced a lower self-perception of attractiveness when they indicated accelerated signs of aging from lack of sleep.
More than a pretty face
Lack of sleep doesn’t just give you dark circles and premature wrinkles, it affects your entire body. The right quantity and quality of sleep triggers the production of a growth hormone— a hormone that strengthens bones, builds muscle mass, and thickens skin.
Constant fatigue causes stress and irritability, a contributor to accelerated aging. This fatigue also increases physical stress on the body, putting people at risk for a variety of health conditions.
Your immune system also takes a big hit when you don’t get those ZZZ’s in. Lack of sleep impairs cytokine production, a protein that helps fight disease and infection. As the body’s levels of cytokines drop, people become more susceptible to illness that can accelerate aging.
How much of sleep counts as "beauty sleep" anyways?
The standard recommended amount of sleep for adults is at least 7 to 8 hours, although it fluctuates with age. A recent report released by the CDC shows that roughly 30-40% of adults miss out on around 2 hours of sleep per night. That means, you’ve racked up a 10-hour sleep deficiency by the end of the work week. All things considered, it’s not hard to see why our lack of sleep appears on our faces.
How to achieve your best sleep?
First thing’s first, the goal of getting a good night’s sleep needs to move higher on your priority list. Turn off the television. Put your phone down. Wait to fold that last load of laundry until tomorrow. If you’re in the habit of climbing into bed to get those eight hours, high five! You’re halfway there. If what prevents you from getting a good night’s sleep is trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, then that means you may be in the market for a new mattress.
Secondly, you need to be sure that your slumber is on a surface that will help lull you to sleep and keep you asleep. A Natural Form mattress will do just that.
Natural Form is the ideal mattress to get your beauty sleep due to its patented and sophisticated technology. The Natural Form Health Series is our newest and most innovative sleep system. With up to 40 air pods per sleeper, our mattress creates a 40 to 1 ratio compared to the industry standard. Creating the most responsive air mattress on the market, it conforms naturally to your body. So no pumps, sensors, or electricity is used, meaning your sleep stays as natural as possible! This series comes with free delivery, a 10-year warranty, and our 100 night sleep trial.
A certified Australian-Wool cover will keep your body temperature regulated and allow for adequate air flow. Each system is outfitted with a sleep dial, so you can adjust your comfort without compromising the amount of support your receive.
A great mattress will make getting those full eight hours easier, and help you reduce any signs of aging. Who knew the key to a youthful appearance wasn’t in the cosmetic aisle?
