According to the CDC, one in three adults doesn’t get enough sleep. Many reasons are cited for not getting the recommended seven hours of minimum nightly rest. Work, parenting, and school are prime examples.
Unfortunately, missing even a little sleep each night can lead to health issues over time. Not getting enough sleep has been linked to a lowered immune system, increased risk of obesity, and high blood pressure. But what about acne?
Can lack of sleep cause acne? Continue reading to find out the connection between sleep and acne breakouts. The truth behind the matter may surprise you.
Can Lack of Sleep Cause Acne Breakouts?
When a breakout happens, the first thing people do is wonder why. Many things cause acne, from stress and hormones to makeup and beyond.
Could a lack of sleep be to blame for your latest breakout? The answer is yes.
If you haven’t been getting enough sleep and suddenly see a pimple (or two) pop up, your sleeping habits could be to blame. It seems there’s some truth to the old idea of “beauty sleep.”
Why Does Skin Breakout Without Sleep?
It isn’t going without sleep directly that affects your skin. Instead, it’s what happens to your body overall when it doesn’t get enough Zs.
During restful sleep, the amount of cortisol in your body decreases. Over time, when you don’t get enough rest, the levels of cortisol in your body rise.
Increased levels of cortisol in your body can cause inflammation and promote excessive sebum production. The combination of inflammation and oily skin causes your pores to become clogged. This, in turn, causes pimples to appear.
Tips for Getting Better Sleep
There are many reasons people don’t get enough sleep. While not all of them are avoidable, many are. Below are a few top tips for getting better sleep, so you can stop the acne that comes without enough rest.
- Go to bed at the same time each night and wake at the same time each morning
- Try a natural supplement (like melatonin sleep gummies) to help you fall asleep
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed
- If your nighttime sleep is disturbed, try taking a short nap in the late morning or early afternoon
- Avoid electronics for half an hour before bedtime
- Get outside at least 30 minutes every day, when possible
- Exercise in the morning or afternoon instead of later in the day
These are only a few of the best tips for getting better sleep. Although a lack of sleep is sometimes unavoidable, many times, it isn’t.
Do You Have More Questions About Sleep and Acne?
Can lack of sleep cause acne? The answer is yes because not getting enough sleep can cause a rise in your body’s cortisol levels. The tips above can help you get a better night of rest in situations where the cause is avoidable.
Do you have more questions about the connection between sleep and acne? You can peruse our other blog posts for more information on the topic.
