Britons failing to prioritise a good night’s sleep are being told they could be impacting their health.
The sleep experts from WinstonsBeds are urging Britons to prioritise sleep in order to see a positive impact on their health and appearance.
Lack of sleep can lead to a spike in cortisol, a stress hormone which can be triggered by sleep deprivation.
Cortisol has an important role in sleep, peaking in the morning to help with waking up and declining throughout the day and regulating the body’s circadian rhythm.
When cortisol spikes, it can affect many aspects of health and wellbeing, including changes in metabolism, weight gain, headaches and memory problems.
Changes in skin can also be a symptom of high cortisol, which can encourage oil production, dull skin and acne.
Rebecca Swain from WinstonsBeds.com said: “People often underestimate the impact of sleep on their overall health, especially when it comes to managing cortisol levels.
“You may have heard people talk about cortisol levels and have a vague understanding of why they should be managed, but many don’t know that sleep deprivation can actually spike your cortisol and result in a bunch of unpleasant side effects.
“When we don’t get enough restorative sleep, our bodies are impacted. A consistent sleep routine can support healthy skin, improve physical and mental wellbeing.
“We suggest for anyone struggling with their sleep routine to invest in a quality mattress and pillows, declutter their space to create a calm environment, avoid screens at least one hour before bed and limit alcohol and caffeine intake.”
Here are some of the ways high cortisol could be impacting you, from WinstonsBeds:
- Increased acne
Spiked cortisol and an inconsistent sleep routine can lead to increased oil production, leading to clogged pores and inflamed skin.
- Dull skin
High cortisol levels can limit the skin’s ability to retain water, causing dehydrated and dull skin.
- Puffiness
Cortisol spikes can cause water retention in your face, making your eyes and face appear bloated and puffy.
- Weakened immune system
Consistent lack of sleep and spiked cortisol levels can reduce the activity of cells which are crucial for immune responses, making it harder to fight off infections and bacteria.
- Stress and mood changes
High cortisol can affect your overall wellbeing and mood by contributing to heightened irritability, increased heart rate and difficulty concentrating.
