Beauty sleep may feel like an old wives’ tale, but there’s science behind it. When you enter deep sleep, your body releases human growth hormone, which helps with cell regeneration and the production of collagen – essential for maintaining a youthful complexion. The name “beauty sleep” also likely stems from the fact that getting enough rest makes your body and mind regenerate, repairing the day’s damage. Here are six ways in which beauty sleep can benefit you:

1) Skin Repairs Itself

Your skin is an amazing organ. It’s the largest organ in your body and does a lot of work. It protects you from the environment and helps regulate your body temperature, eliminates waste products, and even detects sensations like touch and pain. Skin is constantly regenerating itself, repairing any damage done during the day.

But for skin to do its job properly, it needs to be healthy. And for skin to be healthy, it needs to be well-rested. That’s where beauty sleep comes in. When you sleep better at night, your skin repairs itself overnight. So if you’re looking for younger-looking skin, ensure you get enough beauty sleep every night.

2) Puffy Eyes Are Reduced

One of the benefits of getting a good night’s sleep is that it helps reduce puffiness around the eyes. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body produces more cortisol, which is a hormone that causes inflammation. The extra fluid that accumulates around your eyes when you’re tired makes them look puffy.

But getting enough sleep will help to keep your cortisol levels under control and, as a result, minimize the amount of swelling around your eyes. So if you want to avoid looking like you’ve been crying all day, make sure to get at least seven hours of shut-eye each night.

3) Dark Circles Diminish

Dark circles are often associated with fatigue, stress, and a lack of sleep. And while they may not be dangerous, they can make you look tired and unhealthy. Dark circles also indicate that you’re not getting the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep per night.

In addition to making you look tired, dark circles can also make you look older. They tend to form as we age because the skin around our eyes becomes thinner and less elastic. This makes it more difficult for the blood vessels under the skin to constrict properly, which causes them to appear darker. Getting enough sleep can help improve the appearance of dark circles by allowing our bodies to repair and rejuvenate.

4) Stress Levels Decrease

Did you know that one of the benefits of sleep is that it can help reduce stress levels? In fact, research shows that people who get less than seven hours of sleep per night are more likely to report higher levels of stress. This isn’t surprising when you consider how much our bodies and minds need time to rest and rejuvenate.

Stress increases our cortisol levels, leading to various physical and emotional problems. But getting enough sleep can help keep cortisol levels in check, thus reducing our overall stress levels. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed out, get enough shut-eye.

5) Mood Is Improved

Not only does a lack of sleep affect our stress levels, but it can also have a negative impact on our mood. Studies have shown that people who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. Plus, sleep deprivation can also worsen the symptoms of mood disorders like bipolar disorder.

On the flip side, getting enough beauty sleep can improve mood and promote feelings of happiness and well-being. So if you want to feel your best mentally and emotionally, prioritize getting enough rest every night.

6) Brain Function Is Enhanced

Sleep is essential for proper brain function. During deep sleep, our brains consolidate information and process new memories, which helps with learning and memory retention. It also helps with problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults get seven to nine hours of sleep per night for optimal brain function.

So if you want to improve your cognitive function and boost your brain power, prioritize getting enough beauty sleep every night. Your brain – and your entire body – will thank you for it.

So next time someone tells you to get some beauty sleep, listen to them – it does make a difference. Getting enough rest not only helps improve the appearance of our skin but also benefits our overall physical and mental well-being. Make sure to prioritize getting enough shut-eye every night for a healthier, more beautiful you.