Does sleep have anything to do with acne? Sleep doesn’t cause acne but it can affect the number of outbreaks and the severity of them. Don’t ignore sleep when trying to get rid of problematic acne.What is the purpose of sleep? It is a normal part of your circadian cycle. For part of the day you are awake and for part of the day you are asleep. The body is active and working hard when you are functioning at your job and at play. It slows down to take a rest when you sleep.
Bedtime is the opportunity your body has to fix anything that got broken during the day. Contrary to popular belief, your body can’t go non-stop without rest. The body’s primary duty is to keep you going when you need to. At night, it takes a break from the hustle and bustle to pay attention to its own needs.
What happens when you sleep? The body gets the time it needs to refresh you. It takes stock of your immune system and if there are any problems, the body works to boost it. A strong immune system can fight acne and keep your skin clear longer. Medications circulating through your system can do their jobs.
When we avoid sleep, our bodies are prone to the same kinds of problems that are caused by stress. In fact, sleep deprivation can bring on stress because your body is not well enough to handle things. Stress has been linked to the release of a hormone called cortisol from the adrenal glands into the bloodstream. Cortisol increases oil production. For people with acne that means the possibility of increased outbreaks if pores get clogged by the excess oil.
If you are prone to acne, not getting enough sleep can make it worse. The first system to suffer is the immune system. Because your immune system is affected, it will seem like nothing is working to get rid of your acne.
You change your diet and use medication to control your acne but don’t forget that the body also needs sleep to complete the cycle of health. How much sleep you need depends on your age and body condition. Doctors recommend at least seven to eight hours of sleep a night.
Stress in your life affects your sleep patterns. Prolonged stress can lead to insomnia. If you are having trouble sleeping, use the following tips to get the rest you need to stop your acne from flaring up.
* Take a warm bath with chamomile or lavender bath salts
* Ask your doctor about sleeping pills and if they can be used in conjunction with your acne medications
Who knew that you could sleep and get rid of acne at the same time? Sleep allows the body to regenerate and rejuvenate which is good news for your skin.
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