experience insufficient sleep our health and
well-being can be affected, and this controls the
way our skin functions and regenerates.
WHAT IS THE LINK WITH SKIN
HEALTH?
6
Our skin is a barrier, defending the body against
hostile microorganisms and environmental factors,
many with hour-by-hour variations including
pollutants, light, solar, ultraviolet radiation,
humidity, temperature and exposure to bacteria.
To respond to these changing environmental
stressors, our skin is constantly working to a
schedule regulated by the ‘biological clock’ or
circadian rhythm. For example, water loss and
hydration, sebum production, cell proliferation rate
and even the visilibility of wrinkles each follow a
cyclical 24hr pattern.
During the day, our skin’s primary function is
to protect against environmental aggressors such
as UV and pollution; overnight it is naturally
programmed to produce new cells and repair any
damage.
If we regularly do not get enough sleep then our
overnight repair is compromised and we quickly
see the impact of this, for example, in increased
fatigue, our ability to focus and to judge, control
our mood and impulses and on our appearance.
Over time sleep deprivation can have more serious
implications for mental and physical health.
Find out more on sleep & your skin on p. 12.
sleep catch-up
If you’re struggling to get enough
sleep at night then napping might
hold the answers to better daytime
performance and is a technique
employed by some of the world’s
top athletes and highest achievers.
The best nap duration is one whole
90-minute sleep cycle, which has
been shown to improve memory
and creativity, but 20 minutes will
suffice if you need to make it short.
We have a natural afternoon energy
slump between 1 and 3pm, making
this an ideal time to plan a nap.
see your GP
If you have a long-standing sleep
problem or experience disrupted sleep at
least three nights a week for over three
months we would urge you to seek medical
advice and ensure there is no underlying
health concern. For more information on
chronic sleep disorders or to assess your
own sleep visit NHS Choices.
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