The link between lack of sleep and hair loss
Sleep not only helps the body and brain recover, but also plays an important role in maintaining healthy hair.
Dr. Sanjeev Gulati, a dermatologist at Sharda Hospital (Noida, India), said: " Prolonged poor sleep can disrupt many important biological processes in the body, including the hair growth cycle".
Hair develops in 3 stages:
Anagen (growth phase)
Catagen (transition phase)
Telogen (rest and decompression phase)
When you sleep, your body will repair cells, balance hormones and increase blood circulation, all of which are necessary for hair follicles to function properly. Lack of sleep disrupts these processes, which can cause hair loss more than usual.
How does lack of sleep hormonal disorders affect hair?
Lack of sleep increases cortisol, the stress hormone, which weakens hair follicles and makes hair loss easier. In addition, insomnia also reduces melatonin and growth hormone, two factors necessary for cell recovery and hair growth.
Melatonin not only helps you sleep well but also plays a role in hair growth. When melatonin levels are low, hair tends to grow more slowly, thinly and easily break, adds Dr. Gulati.
Other indirect effects of lack of sleep on hair
In addition to hormonal changes, lack of sleep can also cause hair loss through indirect factors such as:
Weakened immune system: Not getting enough sleep increases inflammation, affecting hair follicles.
Slow cell recovery: Scalp and hair follicle cells are not effectively regenerated.
Nutritional imbalance: Lack of sleep disrupts appetite control hormones, leading to a diet lacking essential nutrients for hair.
How to improve sleep and protect hair?
To reduce the risk of hair loss due to lack of sleep, you can take some of the following measures:
Maintain fixed bed and wake times every day
Establish a habit of relaxing before bed: read books, meditate, avoid screens
Avoid caffeine and stimulant drinks in the evening
Create a quiet, cool and dark sleeping environment
Relieve stress through light exercise, yoga or chat with a psychologist
Note
Lack of sleep is not the only cause of hair loss, but it is certainly a factor that can make this condition worse. Good sleep not only helps you stay alert and healthy but also plays an important role in maintaining thick, strong and healthy hair, according to Onlymyhealth.
So if you are facing persistent hair loss of unknown cause, review your sleeping habits, the answer may be there.
