Does Lack of Sleep Cause Dark Circles? Why and How to Get Rid of Them?
When you don't get enough sleep, your body doesn't have a chance to perform essential skin repairs. Blood vessels under your eyes can dilate and become more visible through the skin, creating those telltale dark shadows.
Andrew Jolie October 25, 2024 6 min read
Yes, lack of sleep can cause dark circles under your eyes.
But why does lack of sleep cause dark circles?
When you don't get enough sleep, your body doesn't have a chance to perform essential skin repairs. Blood vessels under your eyes can dilate and become more visible through the skin, creating those telltale dark shadows.
Plus, sleep deprivation can lead to paler skin, making these dark vessels even more apparent.
Dark circles from lack of sleep aren't just a cosmetic concern; they're a visible signal from your body that you need more rest.
Beyond their unsightly appearance, dark circles can indicate deeper issues related to poor sleep quality and overall health.
Key Findings on Poor Sleep and Dark Circles
- Primary Causes: Dark circles under the eyes are most frequently caused by poor sleep, which dilates blood vessels and creates visible dark shadows. This effect is compounded by paler skin resulting from sleep deprivation, making these vessels even more noticeable.
- Role of Vitamins: Vitamins K and C are specifically beneficial for reducing dark circles. Vitamin K improves blood circulation and can reduce the visibility of dark veins under the eyes, while Vitamin C strengthens collagen and lightens overall skin tone. Also see what vitamins are known to promote better sleep.
- Enhanced Sleep Solutions: Combining good sleep practices with advanced solutions like the Bía Smart Sleep Mask can optimize sleep quality and help alleviate dark circles. Bía provides a personalized sleeping experience with features that promote deep, restorative sleep and a refreshing wake-up experience.
Why Does Lack of Sleep Cause Dark Circles?
Dark circles under the eyes can be attributed to various factors, including genetics, dehydration, sun exposure, allergies, anaemia, and, most notably, lack of sleep.
These unsightly blemishes affect our appearance and are a visible indicator of our overall health and well-being.
Lack of sleep leads to dark circles under the eyes primarily because it dilates the blood vessels beneath the delicate skin around the eyes, making them more visible.
When you're short on sleep, your body produces more cortisol, a stress hormone that can increase blood volume, further darkening these shadows.
In addition, lack of sleep can make your skin look paler, highlighted by darkened blood vessels. Essentially, those dark circles are your body's way of showing that it's tired and needs rest.
So, next time you notice those frustrating shadows, consider them a strong indicator that your body and brain crave more sleep.
Source: Pexels
Connections Between Dark Circles and Sleep Deprivation?
Sleep deprivation and dark circles under the eyes are closely connected.
When you don't get enough rest, or missing out on your "beauty sleep", the skin beneath your eyes can appear dull and pale, making the blood vessels and dark tissues beneath more visible.
Insufficient sleep can cause your body to produce more cortisol, a stress hormone that increases blood volume and vessel dilation, intensifying the appearance of dark circles.
This visible sign indicates that your body isn't receiving the restorative sleep it needs to function optimally and maintain a healthy appearance.
If those dark circles seem more prominent, then it’s time to evaluate and improve your sleep habits.
What Causes Dark Circles from Not Sleeping?
Insufficient sleep is a primary culprit behind those pesky dark circles under your eyes, as highlighted by Dr Chris Winter, a renowned sleep neurologist and Sleep.com and Mattress Firm Sleep Advisor.
Dark circles from not sleeping primarily result from blood vessel dilation beneath the thin skin under your eyes.
When you don’t get enough sleep, your body’s cortisol levels rise to keep you functioning, which increases blood volume and causes these vessels to expand.
This makes the skin appear darker since the area under the eyes is already thinner and more translucent than other facial skin.
In addition, poor sleep can lead to fluid buildup under your eyes, creating puffiness and shadows that further emphasize dark circles.
Please take note of these clear indicators, as they highlight the importance of sleep in achieving a refreshed, healthy, and vibrant appearance.
Other Causes of Dark Circles Under Eyes
Dark circles under the eyes can be caused by several factors besides sleep deprivation. Here are some of the other common culprits:
- Genetics: Some people are genetically predisposed to dark circles, often due to skin pigmentation or deeper blood vessels.
- Ageing: As you age, your skin becomes thinner and loses collagen, making the reddish-blue blood vessels under your eyes more visible.
- Allergies: Allergic reactions can trigger your body to release histamines, which in turn inflame blood vessels and cause swelling.
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can make your skin appear dull and your eyes look sunken, showcasing dark circles.
- Sun Exposure: Increased melanin production from sun exposure can darken the skin around your eyes.
- Diet and Lifestyle: Poor nutrition, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can affect your overall skin health and contribute to dark circles under your eyes.
You can take proactive steps to combat dark circles effectively by better understanding these factors.
Implementing lifestyle adjustments, making dietary changes, and following a targeted skincare routine can all contribute to achieving a brighter, more rejuvenated under-eye area.
How Do You Get Rid of Dark Circles?
Getting rid of dark circles under your eyes often requires a combination of remedies and lifestyle adjustments. Here’s a straightforward guide to help brighten those shadows:
- Adequate Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to help reduce the darkness under your eyes.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and prevent the sunken-eye look that emphasizes dark circles.
- Cold Compresses: Apply cold compresses, such as chilled tea bags or cucumber slices, to your eyes to reduce swelling and shrink dilated blood vessels.
- Elevate Your Head: Sleep with your head slightly elevated to prevent fluid from pooling under your eyes.
- Sun Protection: Wear sunglasses and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen around your eyes to prevent pigmentation changes caused by sun exposure.
- Healthy Diet: Ensure your diet includes foods rich in vitamins C and K, which can strengthen skin health and reduce the appearance of dark circles.
- Skincare Products: Use eye creams or gels containing retinol, peptides, or vitamins, which can help strengthen the skin and improve discoloration.
Smart Tip: Want to avoid under-eye dark circles tonight? Then, get the Bía Smart Sleep Mask.
Why?
Bía trains your brain to fall asleep and stay asleep with Neurofeedback.
But here’s the kicker: Bia guides you through all sleep stages based on your brain’s reactions, helping you take back control OF your sleep IN your sleep.
In fact, Bía is the science-backed path to great sleep that requires minimal effort and offers premium results. Want to give it a try? Like right now? Well, go for it right here.
Yes, dark circles or eye bags caused by lack of sleep can often go away with proper rest. Restoring your sleep pattern to a consistent 7-9 hours per night can significantly reduce dark circles. Plus, ensuring you are well-hydrated and using topical eye treatments may speed up their disappearance.
The duration of dark circles under the eyes can vary widely depending on their cause. If they are caused by sleep deprivation or stress, they might diminish after a few days of improved sleep and reduced stress. However, if genetic factors, ageing, or chronic medical conditions cause them, dark circles can persist indefinitely unless treated with skincare products, lifestyle changes, or medical interventions.
Vitamin K is particularly effective for reducing dark circles under the eyes. It helps with blood clotting and circulation, minimizing the appearance of dark veins that can show through delicate under-eye skin. Vitamin C is also beneficial, as it strengthens the skin’s collagen and can brighten skin tone. Vitamins E and B3 (niacinamide) are also known to moisturize and improve skin elasticity, further helping to diminish dark circles.
Dark circles caused by sleep deprivation are generally not permanent. They often improve when you adjust your sleep habits to ensure enough rest. However, if poor sleep habits persist, the appearance of dark circles can become more consistent, making them seem more permanent. Regular, quality sleep and proper skincare can significantly reduce their appearance over time.
Even with adequate sleep, dark circles can persist due to genetics, ageing, or allergies. These can thin the skin under the eyes or cause blood vessels to become more visible. Dehydration and diet can also influence their appearance, regardless of sleep quality. To address these dark circles, consider skincare treatments, adequate hydration, and addressing any underlying health issues.
Oversleeping can contribute to dark circles under the eyes. How? Excessive sleep can lead to increased blood flow or fluid accumulation around the eyes, making the skin appear darker. Plus, spending too much time lying down can cause blood to pool in the veins under your eyes, worsening their dark appearance. Managing sleep to ensure it is neither too little nor too much is key to reducing dark circles.
