"A woman's beauty comes from sleep," I'm sure we've all heard this phrase before. There is indeed a close relationship between sleep and beauty. Why do some women not show signs of aging, while many women appear much older than their actual age? This has a lot to do with our sleep. Let's take a look.
Quality sleep is more important for women
We often see that some middle-aged women still have a graceful figure, rosy complexion, moist skin, and lingering charm. Meanwhile, some women in their early thirties have dull complexions, dark circles that won't go away, wrinkled skin, and a listless appearance. Although their nutritional status, work environment, and family life are similar, their skin appearance and overall health are drastically different. One important reason for this stark difference is sleep.
Sleep is a complex process. During sleep, people go through slow-wave sleep followed by rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, forming a sleep cycle. There are approximately 4-6 sleep cycles in a night. When people wake up, sometimes they feel refreshed, while other times they feel even more tired than before. This is due to the difference in the depth and state of sleep. Some people may have shorter sleep duration but longer deep sleep, which is the optimal period for self-repair of the body. Deep sleep usually occurs from midnight to 2 am. Therefore, to ensure sleep quality, it is advisable to go to bed before 11 pm.
Lack of sleep leads to weight gain in women
In general, women who sleep well have a radiant appearance, while women with insomnia have a dull complexion, lack of energy, and even hormonal imbalance, leading to low immunity and hormonal disorders. Long-term insomnia not only affects a woman's appearance, but also brings about various physical and psychological ailments.
Lack of sleep can lead to tiredness, lack of concentration, and reduced work efficiency. Lack of sleep can also cause weight gain. A study conducted among 70,000 women found that those who sleep 5-6 hours a day weigh an average of 6-8 pounds more than those who sleep 7-8 hours a day. When normal sleep time is deprived, the body produces a large amount of stress hormones to slow down metabolism and increase appetite the next day. This condition can make it difficult for a person to accurately sense hunger and fullness, leading to weight gain and an increased risk of diabetes.
Women are more prone to insomnia
We often hear women around us complaining about insomnia. Women aged 30-49 are the high-risk group for insomnia. Compared to men, women are more likely to experience insomnia due to the following reasons:
First, gender factors. Due to fluctuations in estrogen levels in the body, women are more likely to suffer from insomnia during three specific periods in their lives: menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.
Second, stress factors. Women are more sensitive in terms of emotions. For working women, they have to balance work and family, which can lead to various pressures and potentially cause insomnia. Long-term insomnia can even become a trigger for depression.
Positive mood brings good sleep
If you want to avoid insomnia, it is important to create a comfortable sleep environment, establish a regular sleep routine, and increase daytime physical activity.
For women who want to achieve quality sleep, it is crucial to maintain a happy mood. You can chat more with family and friends and engage in relaxing activities such as spa treatments. If these methods are not effective in adjusting sleep, it is recommended to seek help from a specialized sleep clinic in a reputable hospital.