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Can Lack of Sleep Really Cause Dark Circles Under Your Eyes?

J Laasritha Naidu

5 Min Read

Fast Check Fact Checked

Have you ever looked in the mirror after a night of tossing and turning and noticed those pesky dark circles staring back at you? Many of us have experienced raccoon eyes from lack of sleep at some point. But can sleep deprivation really cause dark circles under your eyes? Let’s take a deeper look into this common issue.

What Causes Dark Circles?

Dark circles, semi-circular shadows or discoloration beneath the eyes, can actually be caused by a few different factors. Common culprits include:

Lack of Sleep/Sleep Deprivation – When you don’t get enough quality sleep, it can dilate the blood vessels around the eyes and cause fluids to pool and discolor the skin. Read more on how sleep deprivation can affect your health.
Nasal Congestion – Sinus issues and allergies can restrict blood flow and lead to fluid buildup under the eyes.
Ageing – As we get older, the skin around the eyes thins and loses collagen, making blood vessels more visible.
Genetics – For some, the genetic hand they were dealt simply makes them more prone to dark circles.
Dehydration – Not drinking enough fluids can cause the delicate under-eye area to become darkened and hollow.
Rubbing the Eyes – This habit can break capillaries around the eyes and cause leakage/bruising.
Sun Exposure – UV damage from the sun can worsen pigmentation around the eye area over time.

The Impact of Sleep Deprivation

While the exact physiological process is still being studied, we do know that lack of sleep can absolutely contribute to or worsen the appearance of dark circles. Here’s how:

Increased Blood Vessel Dilation – When you’re sleep deprived, your body releases cortisol (the stress hormone), which causes the blood vessels around your eyes to dilate and become more visible, creating a bluish-purple discoloration.
Poor Fluid Circulation – Not getting adequate sleep negatively impacts your body’s ability to regulate fluid levels and drainage. This leads to fluids pooling under the eyes, causing puffiness and discoloration.
Low Collagen Production – Collagen production is impaired when you don’t sleep enough, leading to thinner and less supportive skin under the eyes. This makes the area appear more hollow and allows dark tissue and blood vessels to show through more easily.
Eye Strain and Rubbing – When you’re overtired, you’re more likely to unconsciously strain or rub your eyes out of fatigue or while lying awake at night. This irritates the sensitive eye area and can break delicate capillaries.

It’s clear that the body’s intricate sleep-wake cycles play a major role in maintaining a bright, well-rested eye area. But lack of sleep isn’t the only factor in the formation of dark circles.

Tips for Reducing Dark Circles

While getting enough quality sleep (7-9 hours for most adults) should be the top priority for minimizing dark circles, there are some other remedies and preventative measures that can help:

Use a Cold Compress – Applying something cold, like cucumber slices, tea bags, or a cloth dampened with cold water/milk can help constrict dilated blood vessels and reduce discoloration.

Stay Hydrated – Drinking enough water daily is crucial for maintaining healthy skin, including the delicate under-eye area.

Elevate Your Head While Sleeping – Using extra pillows to elevate your head slightly can promote better fluid drainage overnight.

Support with Diet – Ensuring you get adequate iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin C from your diet supports healthy blood flow and collagen production. Check the #1 diet for anti-ageing!

Wear UV Protection – Using sunscreen and sun protection for the eye area can help prevent sun damage and worsening of discoloration. Try the MFine Sunscreen Gel SPF/PA+++ (Pack of 3).

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It’s important to note that while annoying, dark circles themselves are mainly just a cosmetic concern for most people. However, in some cases they may potentially indicate an underlying condition like anemia, allergies, thyroid issues, or another medical problem. See your doctor if your dark circles are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms.

Our Product Recommendations

Tired eyes can make you feel drained, no matter how well-rested you actually are.

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What does the kit contain?

MFine AHA Brightening Facewash (1% Mandelic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser)

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MFine Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50/PA+++

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MFine 2% Kojic Acid + 2% Glutathione Night Serum

MFine 2% Peptides Serum

Please note, this kit has been designed for a specific skin type and concern. At MFine we provide FREE dermatologist consultations, and therefore we recommend consulting them before purchasing this product. It’s best to purchase a product that is suited for your skin type.

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FAQs on Sleep and Dark Circles

Q: How much sleep do I need each night to prevent dark circles?

A: Most healthy adults need somewhere between 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep on a consistent schedule.

Q: Do dark circles always mean I’m sleep deprived?

A: Not necessarily. As we covered, they can also be caused by factors like ageing, genetics, allergies, sun exposure, and more. But sleep deprivation is a leading contributor.

Q: If I catch up on sleep, will my dark circles go away?

A: It depends on the cause and severity, but dark circles may improve with proper sleep over time. However, stubborn circles may need additional treatment like skin care products and lifestyle adjustments. Be patient and consistent.

Q: Are dark circles just a cosmetic issue or is there more to it?

A: Mainly a cosmetic/appearance issue for most people, but dark circles can sometimes indicate an underlying condition like anemia, thyroid problems, or nasal congestion. See a doctor if they are severe or accompanied by other symptoms.

Q: How can I conceal dark circles when putting on makeup?

A: Use a color-correcting concealer first, like a peach or yellow-toned one to counteract blue/purple tones. Then use a liquid concealer 1-2 shades lighter than your skin tone and set with powder.

Conclusion

The takeaway? Don’t brush off those dark circles – they may be your body’s way of telling you that you need to prioritize getting more quality sleep and addressing any potential underlying issues. While stubborn dark circles can be hard to fully treat, making healthy sleep a priority can go a long way in brightening up that eye area. Remember, well-rested eyes are the key to looking refreshed and radiant.