This Works Sleep Report 2018 SLEEP REPORT A4 2018 - SUBBED v3 | Page 5

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Sleep has an important impact on this process. Thus the
importance of keeping a regular sleep-wake schedule.
Melatonin, released during the night, has an antioxidant effect
which is believed to protect skin against damaging UV light.
Shortening our time exposed to darkness (e.g. exposure to light or
sleep restriction) reduces its release, which can contribute to the
adverse effects of UV on the skin.
Chronic short sleep and disruption of circadian rhythm are also
correlated with signs of accelerated skin ageing and diminished skin
barrier function. Also noteworthy in skin biology is the modulatory
role in the timing of food intake. According to new studies, eating
late at night may also affect skin’s protection.
sleep
skinnovations
Recent findings in sleep science
demonstrate how the complexities
of our lifestyles affect sleep patterns
and the way our skin regenerates
THE ROLE OF CAFFEINE
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Caffeine’s ability to counter fatigue is well established. It is
widely used to maintain alertness and fight fatigue following
multiple days of sleep restriction. However, according to new
studies, after moderate sleep deprivation, caffeine maintains
alertness and wakefulness – but only for the first three days.
After this, a tolerance is developed and its efficacy as a stimu-
lant decreases. What’s more, the affects of alertness and
wakefulness are delayed after your final cup, suggesting
that prolonged caffeine use can have a negative impact on
recovery sleep and even behaviour. Best order a decaf.
ZINC IMPROVES SLEEP QUALITY
Zinc is an essential mineral for the body, playing an
important role in reproductive function, the immune system,
and wound repair. It is extensively used in dermatological
treatment of infections, inflammation and pigmentary
disorders. It has shown to have anti-ageing properties
improving photo-aged facial skin displaying wrinkles.
In a new study on healthy people, compared to a placebo,
zinc-enriched food has been shown also to improve sleep
quality with decreased time to fall asleep and better sleep
efficiency. Common foods that are high in Zinc include
leafy green vegetables, Pumpkin and Sesame seeds.
about
Professor
Gaby Badre
MD, PHD, ASSOCIATE
PROFESSOR
MEDICAL DOCTOR,
NEUROSCIENTIST
AND NEUROPHYS-
IOLOGIST, & SLEEP
SPECIALIST
Professor Gaby Badre, is a Swedish
internationally recognised expert
in sleep medicine and specialist
in clinical neurophysiology and
chronobiological disorders. He is
interested in the impact of modern
lifestyle on health and how to
address fatigue and sleep-wake
disorders to decrease their negative
effect on ageing. He is currently
practicing private sleep and stress
medicine in Sweden and the UK.