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Does a Lack of Sleep Cause Acne - An Exhaustive Analysis

Does a Lack of Sleep Cause Acne - An Exhaustive Analysis

You are probably aware that sleep deprivation and insomnia can be the genesis of a dozen or more health concerns. We don't even have to get into that. But does a lack of sleep cause acne? Does failure to get the proverbial eight hours of rest every night aggravate your complexion to the extent of sporting zits, nodules, or painful cysts? More importantly, can acne be caused by lack of sleep, barring any other hereditary, dietary, or lifestyle factors? A detailed breakdown explores the relationship between insomnia and skin care. Buckle up, won't you?

Can Lack of Sleep Cause Acne?

Even before investigating further whether can a lack of sleep cause acne, it is imperative to, first of all, get a clear view of the consequences of sleep deprivation. Scientists believe that not getting enough sleep every night perennially can open the floodgates to a number of undesired physiological and mental changes. You see, your skin is arguably your body's largest and most extensive organ. And considering that the body is adapted to rejuvenate and renew itself as we catch 40 winks, it should go without saying that your complexion is the first organ to bear the full brunt of lack of sleep.

So, to answer the question: can lack of sleep cause acne? Indeed, sleep deprivation is believed to directly impact several factors resulting in acne. A few of these factors include the likes of cosmetics, anxiety, emotional-wellbeing, hormonal, stress, and mental well-being, just to name a few. Moreover, it is already common knowledge that getting enough sleep is key to looking and feeling good, and we naturally look better while we are well-rested than when we are barely surviving on two or three hours of sleep.

How Lack of Sleep Can Trigger Acne

Now that we have identified that there must be a correlation between acne and lack of sleep, it is only fair to dig deeper and find out how exactly tossing around in bed as sleep eludes you triggers breakouts and acne.

For starters, sleep experts have long identified habitual insomnia exerts undue stress on the human body. And as a way to cope with this, your body releases cortisol, a fight-or-flight hormone. The release of cortisol is then followed by an overproduction of sebum and increased cellular inflammation. Combine these two, and you have a recipe for an increased frequency of breakouts coming from the clogged pores that form in the backdrop of excessive oil production.

Moreover, to further understand how acne from lack of sleep comes about, it is necessary to point out that chronic sleeplessness weakens your body's ability to ward off germs, microbes, and infections. And when this happens, build-ups and pimples are likely to follow thanks to the blocked follicles, causing sebum, hair strands, and sebum to clump together, ultimately leading to pimples forming.

Finally, the other link between lack of sleep and acne can be observed in the increased risk of depression and anxiety that befalls those who do not get at least 8 hours of sleep every night. These two severe mental health conditions can, in turn, trigger an inflammatory response by the body, which consequently lowers the ability of your skin to act as a formidable barrier. Here's the thing; once your skin's overall barrier functions are affected, it should go without saying that it becomes increasingly prone to infections. If left unchecked, this allows a barrage of irritants and particles to gain access to the underlying and more delicate areas of the dermis, ultimately leading to an unprecedented breakout.

Sleep and Skincare - The Little-understood Link

Now that we have broken down the link between chronic sleeplessness and skin breakouts, one may wonder; does sleeping late cause acne? Well, the answer to such a dilemma is best presented by breaking down some of the positive impacts that are usually brought about when we get 7-to-8 hours of rejuvenating sleep every night. Remember that getting ample sleep is one of the leading contributors to vibrant and youthful skin. Moreover, plenty of exercises to stimulate blood flow and a balanced diet can go a long way in keeping fine lines at bay, especially when paired with a well-tailored skin regimen.

On the subject of a comprehensive skincare regimen, did you know that the main building block for healthy skin is adhering to a balanced diet complete with a dependable supplemental source of skin-friendly nutrients such as AENO Perfect Skin Pills for Severe Acne?

What are Some of the Unmistakable Signs of Sleep Deprivation?

Now that we are on the subject of does bad sleep cause acne, it might be worth pointing out that most of us could be sleep deprived and not even know it. Speaking of which, here are some signs you must be on the lookout for if you suspect you are not getting enough sleep.

Eye Bags, Dark Circles, Overall Puffiness, and Redness

The above are some of the most straightforward signs that betray your struggle with getting at least 8 hours of sleep on a consistent nightly basis.

Line and Fine Wrinkles

Considering that you are struggling to get the required minimum hours of restful sleep every night, it should not be surprising to find out that your skin is having difficulty accomplishing its reconstructive duties. As such, you tend to gradually become susceptible to wrinkles, fine lines, and hideous-looking swellings. Not to forget that since your body is progressively failing in hormone control and tissue repair, you are at a higher risk of falling prey to a nasty breakout than someone with better sleeping hygiene.

Does Sleep Help With Acne Control?

At this juncture, it is quite possible that you could be wondering; does sleep help with acne? All other factors held constant, it appears as if going to bed at the right time consistently could have remarkable benefits to your complexion. So, one may ask, how does sleeping help with acne?

Well, for starters, getting plenty of quality sleep reduces the probability of being fatigued or chronically stressed. If not for anything else, this is instrumental in lowering cortisol levels, which keeps the production of sebum in control. Secondly, good sleeping hygiene is key to maintaining optimal blood flow, thereby aiding your body's efforts to repair itself. This is actually one of the reasons dermatologists regularly dissuade their patients from taking caffeine-laden beverages such as tea or coffee before bed. Instead, they will advocate for a glass of water or warm milk.

When Should You Go to Bed?

Having gotten to the bottom of the dilemma of; does sleeping help acne, it is only natural to clarify the most opportune time to hit the sack after a long and hectic day. Fortunately, the answer to this question is relatively straightforward.

One, you should aim to go to bed at least 9 hours before the time you expect or plan to be up and running. This leaves enough margin of error for tossing around before eventually drifting off into slumberland. Secondly, the 9 hours also implies that you have factored in the time needed to prepare before hopping to bed, which could be anything between 30 and 45 minutes. Establishing a regular sleeping pattern is essential as soon as you find the sweet spot when it is opportune for you to go to bed. Not only does this make it easier for your body to form a predictable circadian rhythm, but it also adds structure to your daily routine.

At the end of the day, the most crucial thing to bear in mind is that prioritizing your sleep over anything else pays handsome benefits, particularly for your skin and mental health. Make a firm resolution to not allow anything to come between you and your beauty sleep, and start reaping the benefits today!

Other Side Effects of Sleep Deprivation

Apart from the above-mentioned connection between lack of sleep and acne, you ought to be aware of other side effects of chronic insomnia. Here's a detailed breakdown of that.

Poor Eye Sight

Lack of sufficient sleep for a long time makes you vulnerable to poor control of the underlying eye muscles. You see, your eyes' focus is majorly dependent on the ciliary muscle, which progressively becomes weaker and less precise the less sleep you get every night. In other words, you will start to notice your vision becoming foggier when you get into the habit of staying up late every night thanks to the gradual weakening of the extraocular muscles.

Impaired Decision-Making

Accuracy, speed, critical thinking, and a host of other cognitive processes can become exceedingly impaired by chronic insomnia. While you may not notice it right away, over time, it becomes apparent that your overall productivity, project management, time management, or even driving skills start to suffer.

Obesity

Not getting sufficient sleep every night triggers the secretion of a consortium of hormones such as leptin, cortisol, and ghrelin which are known to spike one's desire to eat bigger food portions. And if left unchecked, this can quickly lead to obesity, especially if one is already leading a sedentary lifestyle.

Increased Production of Hunger Hormones

Naturally, your body requires more energy while alert and awake than when you are in a deep slumber. Poor sleep, or even short bursts of insomnia, can very easily lead to an increase in the secretion of hunger-inducing hormones as a way of your body compensating for the more considerable demand of energy needed to keep your brain active.

How You Can Cure Acne from Sleep Deprivation?

Truth be told, it is not always easy or even feasible for all of us to get eight hours of sleep on a nightly basis. We live in an ultra-competitive world, and it is not hard to find yourself sacrificing a bit of shuteye to fulfill other obligations. Luckily for you, if you find yourself with a case of sleep-deprived acne on your hands, here are some of the things you can do to regain your once-radiant complexion.

  • Change your beddings regularly: It is very easy to underestimate the role our beddings usually play in keeping our skin clear. Make a point of changing your bedding at least once every two or three days to lower the chances of having congested skin due to the accumulation of debris on your pillows and bedsheets.
  • Adopt a healthier lifestyle: Regular and consistent exercise does not lower your stress levels but also triggers the release of endorphins, which make it easier for you to fall asleep faster later at night.
  • Eat a balanced diet: A healthy diet comprising of high-quality protein sources, complex carbohydrates and interspersed with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables is key to keeping unexplained breakouts at bay.

Apart from the above lifestyle changes, we would also recommend adding the following acne-treatment products to your skincare regimen.

  • AENO's Organic Face Salve for Acne, Pimples and Scars: Offers a natural treatment option free from artificial additives and fillers. It is ideal for those looking for a blemishless complexion by leveraging the potency of skincare ingredients that have been in use for generations now.
  • AENO's Natural Face Cream For Acne: Contributes to the overall nourishment of your skin without necessarily clogging up or blocking your pores as it happens with other acne-reducing salves. Apart from the soothing effect that would conveniently come in handy in arresting the progression of breakouts, it is also meticulously formulated to encourage and support the quick healing of acne-prone skin.

In Closing

In a world that is increasingly getting busier by the day, such a holistic approach increases your odds of combating acne from lack of sleep. Speaking of which, it would really come in handy if you are constantly sleep-deprived or work

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