The deep link, adequate ergonomic pillow, dark circles and inadequate sleep: consequences on the body and solutions
Dark circles, also commonly called bags, are those unsightly dark spots that form under the eye. Inadequate sleep, interrupted during the night or insufficient, is the main cause of their formation. Do not confuse those formed due to a genetic or elderly issue which are linked to the elasticity of the skin and not related to a lack of rest. As we know, sleep is a vitally important component of our daily life, and the lack of adequate rest can have a series of negative effects on our health. But what is the deep connection between dark circles and poor sleep? Let's see together the reasons behind this phenomenon and the consequences it can have on our body.
Dark circles: a sign of inadequate sleep
One of the main causes is undoubtedly lack of sleep. When we don't sleep enough, our skin doesn't have time to recover and regenerate as it should. There is dehydration of the skin from stress and as a result, the blood vessels under the thin skin around the eyes can dilate and become more visible, creating the effect of dark circles. This type of situation differs greatly from genetics or age. In this situation we would also have the affected eye with more pronounced red veins in evidence and a tired and distracted look.
But how does this connection between inadequate sleep and dark circles occur? During sleep, our body actively works to repair damage caused by external factors such as stress, pollution and UV rays. Sleep is essential for cell renewal, collagen production and maintaining healthy skin. When we deprive ourselves of adequate rest, we compromise this healing process, making signs of tiredness and stress more evident in the form of dark circles.
Consequences on the body
Dark circles may seem like just an annoying cosmetic problem, but in reality they can have broader consequences on the health of our body. Chronic lack of sweet sleep is associated with several disorders, including increased risk of heart disease, obesity, depression and deterioration of cognitive function.
One of the reasons behind these consequences is the alteration of the hormones that regulate our appetite and mood. Leptin, which controls the feeling of satiety, decreases, while ghrelin, the hunger hormone, increases with lack of sleep. This can lead to poor food choices and increased body weight. Additionally, inadequate sleep is associated with increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can contribute to heart disease.
Cognitively, lack of sleep can affect our ability to concentrate, memory and decision making. This can have repercussions on work, relationships and overall quality of life.
How to deal with the problem
Addressing the problem of dark circles and preventing the negative consequences of inadequate sleep requires a holistic approach. First of all, it is essential to prioritize sleep in our daily routine. We try to sleep at least 7-8 hours a night, creating a comfortable and peaceful environment in the bedroom.
Furthermore, it is important to adopt a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise and stress management techniques such as meditation. Reducing your caffeine intake and bright screens before bed can improve your sleep quality.
Using moisturizers and specific eye treatments can help reduce the appearance of dark circles, but the main solution remains ensuring adequate, quality sleep.
Let's not underestimate the use of an appropriate ergonomic pillow to align the cervical vertebrae with the rest of the spine.
Dark circles are a warning sign that indicates not only a bad night's sleep, but also a series of consequences on our general health. Taking care of your sleep is essential to maintaining long-term physical and mental health. Investing time and energy to improve the quality of your sleep is a fundamental step towards a healthier and more fulfilling life.