When we don’t get enough sleep, bad things happen to us. The negative effects of insufficient sleep on our bodies and our minds aren’t things that can be cured by a cup of coffee or two. Think about how you look and feel after being sleep deprived for a night or two. Droopy eyes, dull skin, foggy thinking – these are all outward manifestations of a body that is being deprived of what it needs to stay healthy and alert. Internally, a lack of sleep weakens our immune system, effects our hormone secretion, and diminishes our stamina. It also can lead to hair loss, as our follicles and scalp are extremely sensitive to changes in our bodies.
While many cases of hair loss such as male pattern baldness are caused by genetic factors, how we treat our bodies – exercise, diet, and lifestyle – can also have a profound impact on our hair health. Sufficient sleep is an essential part of overall health, as our bodies expend a tremendous amount of energy each day and need the time to recharge so the body can function as it is supposed to. One function is repairing and regenerating hair follicles. A lack of sleep keeps that from happening, causing hair to stop growing, weaken, and eventually fall out more than it otherwise would. Even hair that doesn’t fall out will noticeably suffer, losing shine and volume.
A lack of sleep can be caused by many factors, but stress is often the culprit. In fact, insufficient sleep is itself a powerful form of stress. Stress can lead to physical problems, including weight loss, weight gain and hair loss. Overproduction of stress hormones promotes adrenal fatigue, which occurs from the overproduction of cortisol in the body. The adrenal glands release high amounts of cortisol and under produce other necessary hormones like aldosterone and androgens, resulting in thinning or balding hair.
If you are suffering from a lack of sleep or undue stress, and your hair is feeling its effects as well, the good news is there are things you can do to fix the problem. Experts say that we should try to get between 7.5 and 8 hours of sleep per night. This means that we need to prioritize sleep as much as we prioritize other parts of a healthy lifestyle. Try to set a consistent bedtime, avoid working or using electronic devices or social media while in bed, and instead give your body and mind time to turn off and relax.
To eliminate unnecessary stress in your everyday life, stick to a routine. Exercise, yoga, or meditation can also help relieve some of the mental anguish that stress causes. Do whatever works for you in terms of relieving stress, whether it is being with friends, being alone with a book, walking your dog, or doing nothing at all. The impact on your health and happiness will be noticeable inside and out.
Schedule an Appointment for a Hair Loss Evaluation Today
At the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami, our skilled physicians diagnose and treat hair loss cases that can’t be reversed at home or through changes in diet. Through advanced hair restoration surgery techniques and alternative non-invasive treatments, we can help patients suffering with hair loss.
To receive a personalized evaluation and treatment plan, contact us online or call or office directly at 305-925-0222.