Does lack of sleep really cause bags under the eyes? Discover the science behind this common concern and explore effective solutions for a well-rested, rejuvenated appearance.

The Science Behind Lack of Sleep and Bags Under the Eyes

Lack of sleep can have a significant impact on the appearance of our eyes, leading to the development of those dreaded under-eye bags. This phenomenon is not just an urban legend, but a well-documented consequence of sleep deprivation.

The skin beneath our eyes is thinner and more delicate compared to other areas of the face. When we don’t get enough restful sleep, a few physiological changes occur that contribute to the formation of under-eye bags:

1. Blood Vessel Dilation: Sleep deprivation causes the blood vessels in the under-eye area to dilate, leading to an increase in blood flow. Since the skin in this region is thinner, the darker color of the increased blood volume becomes more noticeable, resulting in the appearance of dark circles.
2. Fluid Accumulation: Lack of sleep can also cause fluids to leak into the skin around the eyes, leading to a puffy, swollen appearance commonly known as eye bags.

Additional Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Appearance

According to the National Institutes of Health, sleep deprivation can have other cosmetic consequences beyond just under-eye bags. Some of these include:

• Hanging eyelids or “sleepy eyes”
• Reddened eyes
• Pale skin
• Droopiness in the corners of the mouth
• Increased appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• An overall sadder, more fatigued appearance

Combating Under-Eye Bags with a Good Night’s Sleep

The best solution for reducing under-eye bags is to prioritize getting a sufficient amount of high-quality sleep each night. Here are some steps you can take to improve your sleep and, in turn, your appearance:

Invest in a New Mattress

If your mattress is more than 7-10 years old, it may be time to consider replacing it. An uncomfortable or worn-out mattress can contribute to poor sleep quality and the development of under-eye bags. Try out a variety of new mattresses to find the one that best suits your needs and sleep preferences.

Adjust Your Sleep Environment

Ensure your sleep environment is conducive to quality rest. This may include addressing factors like temperature, noise, and light pollution. If your partner’s snoring is disrupting your sleep, consider investing in an adjustable bed base to help keep their airway open.

Incorporate Quick Fixes

While improving your sleep habits is the long-term solution, there are some quick fixes you can try to reduce the appearance of under-eye bags in the short term. Placing cool, damp tea bags on your eyes for a few minutes can help constrict blood vessels and reduce fluid buildup.

Visit Mattress World Northwest for Expert Guidance

If you’re struggling with under-eye bags and other signs of sleep deprivation, the team at Mattress World Northwest is here to help. Our Sleep Specialists can assist you in finding the perfect mattress to ensure a restful, restorative night’s sleep, helping you achieve a refreshed, rejuvenated appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can lack of sleep really cause bags under the eyes?

Yes, lack of sleep can absolutely contribute to the development of under-eye bags. Sleep deprivation causes blood vessels to dilate and fluids to leak into the thin skin beneath the eyes, leading to a puffy, swollen appearance.

What other effects does sleep deprivation have on appearance?

In addition to under-eye bags, sleep deprivation can also cause hanging eyelids, reddened eyes, pale skin, droopiness in the corners of the mouth, increased fine lines and wrinkles, and an overall fatigued, sadder appearance.

How can I reduce the appearance of under-eye bags?

The best long-term solution for reducing under-eye bags is to prioritize getting a good night’s sleep. This may involve investing in a new, comfortable mattress, adjusting your sleep environment, and trying quick fixes like using cool, damp tea bags on your eyes.

Conclusion

Lack of sleep is a common culprit behind the development of under-eye bags, and it can have a range of other cosmetic consequences as well. By understanding the science behind this phenomenon and taking steps to improve your sleep quality, you can achieve a well-rested, rejuvenated appearance that will have your friends and family remarking on how refreshed you look.

Does Lack of Sleep Really Cause Bags Under the Eyes?

POSTED ON December 4, 2017

“Gosh, you look tired today.”

This is a line you’ll likely hear quite often if your uncomfortable, lumpy mattress is keeping you awake at night. Even if you manage to get sufficiently caffeinated to stifle your yawning, your family and friends can intuitively pick up on the physical changes in your appearance that indicate a bad night’s sleep.

Those notorious under-eye bags aren’t just an urban legend—they really are caused by sleep deprivation.

Here’s what sleep deprivation does to your appearance

The skin under your eyes is different. This skin is thinner, which means that the blood vessels are closer to the surface. When you don’t get enough restorative sleep at night, your blood vessels dilate. This causes an increase in blood flow, and since the skin under your eyes is thinner, the dark tint caused by the increased volume of blood is more noticeable here.

In other words, sleep deprivation causes dark circles. It can also cause eye bags, which is the puffy, swollen appearance of the under-eye area. This can occur when fluids leak into the skin.

Research indicates that dark circles and puffy eyes aren’t the only cosmetic consequences of lack of sleep. Hanging eyelids or “sleepy eyes,” reddened eyes, pale skin, and droopiness in the corners of the mouth are all associated with sleep deprivation. According to the National Institutes of Health, study participants have even reported that people who are sleep deprived seem to have more noticeable fine lines and wrinkles, and that these individuals look much sadder than people who got a good night’s sleep.

Love your look with a better night’s sleep

So what can you do about the unsightly effects of sleep deprivation? It’s simple: Get more sleep.

For many people, the problem lies with their mattress. If yours is older than about seven to 10 years, it may be time to consider replacing it. Similarly, replace your mattress if it feels uncomfortable, or if you wake up with aches and pains that you didn’t have when you went to sleep.

Try out a variety of new mattresses to find the best one for your needs. If you have a sleep partner, make sure your new bed gives both of you plenty of room. And if your partner snores, consider investing in an adjustable bed base. Few things contribute to sleepless nights quite like snoring. With an adjustable bed, your partner can sleep with the upper body slightly elevated to encourage an open airway.

Quick fixes for under-eye bags

Even if you do decide to purchase a new mattress, you’ll probably want a quick fix for your current cosmetic dilemma. Dampen two tea bags in cool water, and place them under your eyes for a few minutes. The type of tea doesn’t matter. The tannic acid in the tea will help the blood vessels constrict and the fluid to stop leaking into the skin.

Visit Mattress World Northwest

Mattress World Northwest is a premier provider of high-quality mattresses in the Portland area. Our Sleep Specialists can help you find the bed that keeps you cradled in comfort all night long. Stop by today, and ask us about our free delivery and Comfort Guarantee.

More resources on the effects of sleep deprivation:

1. National Institutes of Health, Cues of Fatigue: Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Facial Appearance, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3738045/
2. Everyday Health, Is Insomnia Causing Your Dark Circles? https://www.everydayhealth.com/sleep/is-insomnia-causing-your-dark-circles.aspx

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Why Does Lack Of Sleep Cause Bags under Eyes?

Why Does Lack Of Sleep Cause Bags under Eyes? – Shens Clinic

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Our faces help us to better communicate our emotions to the world, but they can give away valuable information about our physical state too. For example, dark circles and under-eye bags are indicative of late nights and too little sleep.

The following post is going to dig into the effects of sleep deprivation on facial appearance, focusing on puffiness. After that, we will briefly mention other common causes as well as talk about several steps you can take to fix the problem. Read on.

Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Blood Vessels

It’s no secret that lack of sleep translates into a tired appearance. The facial region seems to be the most affected, showing as pale skin, swollen eyes, darker circles, and redder eyes. According to peer-reviewed studies, the damage can exacerbate into more wrinkles and hanging eyelids, as well as sagging corners of the mouth.

The fat tissues under the eyes might fill with water at night. This is because we spend more time lying flat and gravity causes liquids to pool around the eyes. As a result, we get swelling and puffiness.

Plus, the skin in that area is especially thin as opposed to other parts of the body, which means it’s also relatively transparent. Not only that but the blood vessels are positioned much closer to their surface. When those two factors are combined, the skin can appear tinted.

As you skip your eight hours of sleep, the oxygen in the eyes decreases, which makes blood vessels dilate, giving you those bloodshot eyes. Deoxygenated or dilated, blood vessels become darker in colour and show more readily through the skin. This, in turn, causes dark circles.

Lack of Sleep Isn’t the Only Cause of Under-Eye Bags and Dark Circles

Being sleep deprived, and constricted blood flow resulting from that respectively, isn’t always to blame for your facial swelling. According to research, the number one culprit to this day remains genetics. Some people are predisposed to getting eye bags owing to hereditary factors that they don’t have control over.

Thus, they are more likely to end up with a puffy appearance after a sleepless night than other folks, and they typically experience eye bags even when they are well rested.

Aside from that, there are many possible reasons for noticeable puffy eyes and dark eye circles, such as:

• Too much salt in your diet – Eating salty foods not only compromises your overall health but also leads to fluid retention under your eyelids.
• Too much sun – Sun overexposure can damage skin health in various ways, one of which is visible swelling.
• Ageing – Losing collagen and elastin is a normal part of the ageing process, whether we like it or not. There is more space for the fat deposits under the eyes due to that volume loss, plus gravity takes over. Hence, they slip out of their predesignated places, leaving a hollowed appearance and making it look as if there are under-eye bags.
• Alcohol consumption – Alcohol dehydrates your body, causing your skin to become weak and flabby. It should be noted that dehydration does occur when you have one too many. So, stay away from excessive alcohol consumption.
• Allergic reaction – Allergies mostly affect the lower eyelids, leading to swollen and irritated eyes. Other symptoms include watery eyes and reddened skin. Dust and pollen are common allergens.
• Vitamin deficiency – It’s also been suggested that vitamin A deficiency could contribute to dark circles and eye bags. Check with your doctor if you have other symptoms that could point to such an issue. We’ve written more about what deficiency causes dark eye circles and eye bags here.
• Smoking – We all know tobacco is bad for the health, but did you know that it could cause puffy eyes? As your body is trying to get rid of nicotine at night, this may disrupt your sleep, causing fluid collection in the under-eye area and, well, fatigue.
• Rubbing eyes – This creates irritation to the thin skin around your eyes, causing oedema.

So, before you conclude that your eye bags and dark circles form when you are sleep deprived, you should talk to a dermatologist or another doctor to help identify the underlying cause. If you don’t know what’s triggering the condition, it’s hard to find an effective treatment.

What to Do About It

You can always book a consultation with Dr Shens to discuss if our Korean under eye bag removal surgery is the right option for you. There are also a few simple things you can do to minimise the appearance of eye bags and remove dark eye circles. Test them out to see if any of these work.

• Get more sleep. Apparently, if your eye bags and dark circles are caused by sleep deprivation, the first step would be to ensure that you are fully rested instead of tired and grumpy.
• Take advantage of cold compresses. This one is age-old. Applying a cold compress over the eye area decreases blood circulation underneath the skin. As you know, the cold constricts blood vessels and relieves sleepy eyes.
• Make use of tea bags. The same logic applies here. Green tea has the potential to constrict blood vessels and reduce oedema. What can make tea bags more effective is if you soak them in cool water before application. Always put them on closed eyes.
• Wear sunglasses and sunscreen when you go outside. Sun damage can make your skin swell, in addition to causing skin discolouration and cancer. The best way to avoid that is to wear accessories like hats and sunglasses. Don’t forget to slather on sunscreen 20-30 minutes before you go out. Even so, it is recommended to limit direct sun exposure.
• Resort to eye creams. Some creams are specifically formulated to make eye bags and dark circles less noticeable. Ask your dermatologists which products work best.

It’s worth noting that if you have a genetic predisposition toward this condition, we’re sorry to tell you, but none of the above suggestions will help you get rid of bags under the eyes at home. But don’t worry, there are cosmetic treatments that can help, such as dermal fillers, chemical peels, laser resurfacing, and of course surgery.

FAQ

Do eyebags go away with sleep?

Getting enough quality shut-eye will definitely help to minimise the appearance of eye bags and dark circles. Of course, it depends on the underlying culprit. If your problem is hereditary, a bad night’s sleep can make it worse but getting enough sleep will not necessarily fix the issue.

What are the clinical terms for eye bags and dark circles?

Bags under the eyes and dark circles are just names we use to refer to the puffiness and tinted skin beneath the eyes. The medical jargons for these are periorbital oedema and periorbital hyperpigmentation (POH).

Why does crying make your eyes puffy?

When you cry, your eyes produce more tears than what normally goes through your glands, which then pour out of the eyes and nose. This causes irritation. Rubbing the eyes increases that further, causing more puffiness.

Does insomnia affect eye health?

When you don’t get enough sleep consistently, you may experience eye spasms or twitches, aside from bags under your eyes when you wake up. Severe sleep deprivation could lead to glaucoma and other health conditions.

Can retinol cause under-eye puffiness?

Retinol works great for enhancing dull skin, fine lines, and acne, but it should not be applied directly under the eyes because it will cause irritation, which may transform into puffiness.

Does hyaluronic acid help eye bags?

Hyaluronic acid improves skin dryness and fine lines, but it’s not likely to have a direct impact on eye puffiness when used in the form of cream. You need a dermal filler with hyaluronic acid to get the desired results.

Does too much screen time cause dark circles?

Too much screen time strains the eyes and might lead to dark circles. Computer vision syndrome is a condition that occurs with overexposure to screens. Besides eye strain, it can cause dry eyes, blurry vision, and pain.

Does potato reduce dark circles?

Yes. You need to peel one potato, cut it into slices, wrap each in a cloth, and place a slice over each eye. Leave the pieces on for 20 minutes. When the time is up, clean your face.

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Drop the bags! Forget about swelling under the eyes forever – advice from stars and a beautician

Swollen eyes are the problem that celebrities and each of us are trying to get rid of. But for some reason, patches, massages, expensive creams do not work very well, and if they work, then only as a placebo. Our expert Venera Vostryakova helped to understand the causes of this problem and effective ways to eliminate it.

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Kristen Stewart

Olivia Wilde

Cosmetologist’s advice

edema

Bags under the eyes

Venera Vostryakova

head of the cosmetology department of the Austrian center Verba Mayr

Swelling under the eyes is a fairly common problem, and I’m sure that every girl has encountered it one way or another! Both genetics and lifestyle are to blame for their appearance. But, before moving on to the methods of eliminating them, you need to clearly understand what they are.

Understand the bags

There are two types of bags under the eyes. In the first case, these are fatty hernias, which are permanent in nature and appear in people at the age when their skin loses elasticity and sags under the weight of subcutaneous fat. In the second, these are edema caused by the accumulation of fluid around the eyes, it does not have time to exit and stagnates in the lower eyelids. Regardless of the reasons, it is possible to improve the condition of the skin.

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The power of water and air

What can I do to get rid of bags under my eyes? First of all, you need to review the drinking regimen and assess the level of physical activity. Insufficient water intake can lead to puffiness under the eyes. It is recommended to drink at least 1.5 liters of water every day, but try to drink as much liquid as possible in the morning and afternoon, and drink less in the evening. In addition, a sedentary lifestyle and lack of fresh air also provoke the appearance of bags under the eyes.

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Kristen Stewart and other stars whose wedding was canceled on the eve of the celebration

The delight of Twilight fans knew no end when it became known about the novel of the saga characters in real life. Gossips discussed where and when the engagement would take place, even made bets. But the celebration did not take place: the couple broke up in the spring of 2013, and the reason was the bride’s infidelity. Kristen was repeatedly seen in the arms of the director of “Snow White and the Huntsman” Rupert Sanders, and, apparently, Pattinson’s patience came to an end.

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No salt

The diet needs to be changed. Everyone knows that salt retains water – that’s the reason for puffiness under the eyes and dull, unhealthy skin color. To begin with, try to follow the well-known rules, for example, do not salt the dish until you have tried it, reduce the consumption of cheeses, pickles and condiments.

Vitamins in action

One of the following reasons for the appearance of bags under the eyes is a deficiency of nutrients in the body – vitamin C and iron. Vitamin C is involved in the production of collagen, promotes the synthesis of hyaluronic acid, and slows down the aging process. It is found in oranges, apples, all types of cabbage, strawberries and rose hips. Iron is found in beef, pomegranate, seafood, beans and dried fruits.

What will help?

The most budgetary way to get rid of bags under the eyes is a full eight hours of sleep. Eliminate alcohol consumption a few hours before bedtime. Alcoholic beverages are a diuretic, causing a person to lose not only water, but also electrolytes. Don’t wait until you reach a certain number of years and start using anti-aging cosmetics! Revitalizing, regenerating patches, serums that improve blood microcirculation and smooth fine wrinkles, masks for brightening and moisturizing the skin, light finger massage for elasticity, creams with cooling rollers – your eyes will thank you for all this.

Another answer to the question why bags under the eyes appeared is the congenital structural features of the eye. This is the most common cause of hernias, which usually appear quite early – already by the age of 25. In this case, bags under the eyes will help to remove a mesotherapy session, the essence of which is the introduction of “cocktails” of hyaluronic acid, vitamins, etc. into the skin layers. These beneficial substances are delivered by injection. The effect of the procedure is immediately visible – the skin is smoothed, pigmentation becomes less noticeable, and fat cells are destroyed.

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signs of a hernia, take them for edema caused by excess fluid in the body. As a rule, it is quite easy to identify what exactly is expressed in a person: swelling under the eyes or a hernia. Edema is not permanent. As for the hernial bags under the eyes, they are permanent.

Any problem is easier to prevent than to deal with. Healthy sleep, regular walks, proper nutrition, as well as visiting a beautician will save you from the “panda effect”.

Kristen Stewart

The Twilight actress got panda-like looks and puffy eyes pretty early on, and it’s not just her busy filming schedule. Followers noticed that in the photos that she posts on her Instagram (the social network is recognized as extremist and banned on the territory of the Russian Federation), the girl often looks exhausted, which worries everyone very much. Perhaps the point is in the sleepless nights of the star and her personal life: she openly admitted that she prefers girls. Passions are running high, and Kristen is very worried about her new relationship. According to beauty insiders, the star is saved by restorative patches from edema and swelling, as well as ice cubes from chamomile and watermelon juice. 9Olivia Wilde According to the star, concealers and tonal creams almost no longer help to hide eye problems, and therefore she is going to review her diet and promises herself to go to bed early.

Amal Alamuddin

She has naturally beautiful skin: like velvety with an olive tint. But age, caring for children and working from morning to night, alas, do not add youth and health! But Amal and her personal beautician Carmen Salvatore are radical opponents of Botox injections. With her problem – and she has pronounced bags under her eyes – she fights with the help of daily cleansing and moisturizing, an individual complex of vitamins for the skin (their use depends on the season), detox programs and frequent changes in care creams (even if this is your most favorite cream – it needs to be changed periodically). “One of the most powerful anti-aging antioxidants, resveratrol, comes from grape seeds,” Carmen says. We advise you to take note!

Non-surgical laser treatment of bags under the eyes in women and men.

STEMPHYS

Nothing spoils the look of lovely women like bags under the eyes. And no tightened, velvety skin and the absence of wrinkles will save the situation, because unsightly “bags” immediately catch the eye. Sometimes such a nuisance occurs only periodically, for example, from lack of sleep or after you have drunk a lot of water at night – in this case, you should not be particularly worried. But if you observe eye puffiness in the mirror every day, there is reason to think.

Stemphys Cosmetic Institute uses the following technologies to solve this problem:

• RF perforation
• CO2 Fractional Laser Skin Rejuvenation
• Cryothermolifting
• Mesothreads
• Post-Isometric Facial Relaxation (Facial PIR)

Causes of the appearance of “bags”

The appearance of bags under the eyes is due to the growth of adipose tissue located between the orbit and the eyeball. In this case, the orbital septum is stretched and begins to protrude beyond the orbit.

As a result, the notorious “bags” appear under the eyes. For some women, this problem occurs with age, because over the years, tissue elasticity decreases and the amount of fatty tissue gradually increases.

Among the provoking factors are also:

• Heredity
• Bad ecology
• Miscellaneous diseases (kidney disease, frequent respiratory infections, sinus inflammation, allergic diseases)
• Too much ultraviolet radiation (frequent visits to the solarium, long stay at the beach)
• Stress, fatigue, lack of sleep
• Hormonal changes in the body

Treatment of bags under the eyes

In some cases, it is enough to eliminate the cause of their appearance. But in the case of a hereditary or age factor, bags under the eyes can only be removed using cosmetic methods. Many women mistakenly believe that in this case only blepharoplasty will help – an operation to excise excess fatty tissue. But no matter how impressive the result is, blepharoplasty is a traumatic method of solving the problem, fraught with complications.

Stemphys Cosmetology Institute offers several effective non-surgical techniques:

1. RF perforation – fractional radiofrequency rejuvenation using microneedles
power. By acting on the collagen fibers that make up the framework of our skin, they start the mechanism of their natural renewal. As a result, the skin tightens and becomes more elastic.

2. Fractional laser rejuvenation with CO2
The method is based on the selectivity of the laser: penetrating into the deeper layers of the skin, it leaves its surface intact. Acting locally on cells, the laser increases their activity, stimulating the process of regeneration and the production of new collagen fibers.

3. Cryo-thermo-lifting – anti-aging method of triple action
The method combines the effectiveness of three technologies at once, enhancing each other’s action.