The Benefits of 'Beauty Sleep'

You've probably already noticed that when you skimp on sleep, it shows on your face. Tired skin sags, bags, and loses its luster.

“Lack of sleep causes blood vessels to dilate, causing the look of dark circles,” says dermatologist Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD, of the University of California, San Francisco. Sleepily rubbing your eyes doesn't help those dark rings. 

Below are some benefits of beauty sleep....

Faster-Healing Skin

“Beauty sleep” is real. Your skin uses sleep hours to heal itself from the day’s damage. When you drift off, your skin gets the chance to improve. That’s why you may wake up looking fresh and rosy.

Fewer Breakouts

More sleep, clearer skin. Lack of sleep can lead to stress, which causes pimples and blackheads, even in adults. In one study, experts found that college students had more breakouts when they were stressed out, such as during exam time.

Brighter Eyes

Want eyes that sparkle? Don’t let dark circles steal their spotlight. Dark circles often run in families, but they can look even darker if you aren’t getting enough shut-eye. To disguise them, apply a light layer of eye cream as a primer. Then dab on and blend in a dot of concealer one to two shades lighter than your skin tone.

You Look “Better”!

Sure, you may feel fine running on fumes, but your friends, family, and coworkers are apt to notice. Researchers in Sweden asked a study group to look at pictures of sleep-starved people vs. ones who’d had eight hours. The well-rested people seemed healthier, less tired — and more attractive.

Outsmart Puffiness

You wake up with puffy eyes because fluid collects around them when your head lies flat on the bed. Solution: Prop your head above your heart at night with a couple of pillows. Still packing bags under your eyes? Apply a cold cloth to the area for a minute or two in the morning.