There’s a reason Sleeping Beauty
looks so refreshed. When we’re tired,
our skin looks tired, too, says Paul
Han, MD, a pulmonologist and sleep
specialist with Holy Name Medical
Center.
Missing the recommended seven
to nine hours of sleep, night after
night, studies show, can have longterm
health effects, including weight
gain and a weakened immune system.
But did you know sleep loss can
also affect your appearance?
Sleep Deprivation and Your Skin
• A lack of sleep can deepen lines
so they look more ingrained.
• Skin can appear very dull when fatigued.
• Shadows will form under the eyes,
giving that dark circle appearance.
• The eyelids and corners of the
mouth can start to droop.
“While we don’t know all the functions
of sleep, we do know, it’s the
body’s time to regenerate and repair,”
says Dr. Han. “In terms of complexion,
if sleep is disrupted, it won't
have adequate time to repair the
skin, as needed. As a result, the skin
can be more prone to acne, and conditions
like eczema and psoriasis can
worsen.”
Additionally, says Dr. Han, the hormone
melatonin, which works as an
antioxidant, is produced while we
sleep. Stay up night after night and
you can actually interrupt the production
of melatonin and speed up premature
signs of aging.
Tips For Better Sleep
• Start by exercising regularly.
• Get into a sleep rhythm by going
to bed and getting up at the same
time.
• Create a sleep environment that
is dark and cool.
• Wear a sleep mask if daylight
wakes you up.
• Work with your body’s internal
clock.
• Limit screen time before bedtime;
cell phones, computers, and TVs emit
blue light, which can keep you awake.
Dr. Han also recommends cognitive
behavioral therapy, which is a structured
program that can help you
identify and replace behaviors that
worsen sleep problems with habits
that promote sound sleep.
Beauty Sleep
It’s Not An
Old Wives’ Tale
Paul Han, MD
Pulmonologist and Sleep Specialist
201-871-3636
Book online: njlung.com
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