Beauty Sleep: When Your Skin Interrupts Your Sweet Dreams
Beauty Sleep How Your Skin Can Affect Your Zzz's, According to a Recent Study
Study finds link between skin and trouble sleeping
Image by fizkes / iStock
October 20, 2023
We all know that feeling when a poor night’s sleep starts wreaking havoc on our skin. Dark circles, breakouts, inflammation – it’s like a relentless army of skin issues marching across our faces. But did you know that the sleep-skin connection works both ways? That’s right, according to new research, your skin can actually be the culprit behind those miserable nights tossing and turning.
Now, you might be thinking, “How can my skin possibly sabotage my sleep?” Well, let me break it down for you, my lovely fashionistas.
Picture this: you’re lying in bed, ready to drift off into dreamland, but your skin has other ideas. It starts itching, burning, and tingling, like a mischievous imp poking at your face. It’s like having a thousand ants doing the macarena on your epidermis! No wonder you can’t get a good night’s sleep.
And it’s not just the itchiness and tingling that wreak havoc on your precious beauty rest. According to a study presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress 2023, nearly half of the participants with skin disease reported experiencing sleep disturbances. That’s right, my friends, skin issues like eczema, psoriasis, and even acne can turn your peaceful slumber into a battlefield.
Imagine waking up feeling perpetually fatigued, like you just ran a marathon in your dreams. Your eyes are tingling, and you find yourself yawning like a sleepy lion. It’s like your skin is playing a wicked game, leaving you feeling utterly exhausted.
“But why,” you ask, “does my skin enjoy torturing me at bedtime?” Well, my dears, it’s all about that body heat. As your body cools down for sleep, the heat escapes through your skin, cooling you down and preparing you for a blissful night of rest. But for those with itchy skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, this heat triggers inflammation, which in turn increases the itchiness. It’s a vicious cycle, my friends, a never-ending dance between sleep and skin.
And let’s not forget about our old friend cortisol, the stress hormone. Turns out, high cortisol levels from inflammatory conditions can make you toss and turn all night. It’s like having a never-ending disco party in your bedsheets!
Now, don’t despair, my fabulous fashionistas. There are ways to combat this beauty-sleep sabotage. First and foremost, consult with a dermatologist if you have an inflammatory skin condition. They’ll be your secret weapon in the battle for a good night’s sleep.
But wait, there’s more! You can also identify your skin triggers and keep your skin barrier strong and healthy with moisturizing superstars like ceramides, squalane, and fatty acids. And don’t forget to invest in a humidifier to keep your skin moisturized, because dryness leads to itchiness. Trust me, darling, a humidifier is like a mystical unicorn that brings joy to your skin.
And lastly, my sleep-deprived darlings, establish a rock-solid bedtime routine. Dim the lights, slip on those trendy blue-light-blocking glasses, take a relaxing bath – whatever floats your sleepy boat. Just make sure to prioritize winding down before hitting the hay. Remember, beauty sleep is the ultimate fashion statement!
So, my lovely fashionistas, take heed of the sleep-skin connection. Your skin can both betray and bless your precious slumber. Embrace the power of a good night’s sleep and wake up ready to conquer the world with your fabulous beauty. Sleep tight and dream of fashion wonders!
Now, I’m curious, my fashion-forward friends: have you ever experienced skin-related sleep disturbances? How do you prioritize your beauty sleep? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
