Why Your Sleepless Nights Are Showing on Your Face
Your Eyes Become Bloodshot • Your Bags Are Packed • You’ve Lost Your Glow • Your Lips Are Dry • Your Wrinkles Are More Pronounced • More ...
You could be having sleepless nights because you’re overloaded with homework, you’ve got insomnia, or your coffee habit needs a rethink. Whatever the reason for your lack of rest, one thing is sure: it’s going to show on your face. We’ve all been there, staring at a mirror and wondering how to hide the evidence of a 2 a.m. doom-scroll or a late-night study session. These are seven specific ways that your face tells on you for not getting enough shut-eye, and how you can bounce back.
| Issue | Quick Fix | Long-term Solution |
|---|
| Bloodshot Eyes | Eye drops | Earlier bedtime |
| Dry Skin | Moisturizer | Hydration & Sleep |
| Acne Flares | Spot treatment | Consistent routine |
1. Your Eyes Become Bloodshot
When you’re not logging enough sleep, your eyes are going to be bloodshot. It’s not a pretty look and no amount of eye makeup will help. One thing you can do is try some Visine; as the advertisement says, “it gets the red out.” None of these side effects of sleepless nights are pleasant or attractive, which is a great motivator for getting in bed at a decent hour. If you're looking for more ways to look refreshed, check out our guide on how to look awake when you're exhausted.
2. Your Bags Are Packed
Meaning, the bags under your eyes. I hate this perhaps more than anything else on this list. One thing you can do to help with this is to apply a cool washcloth to help them go down. An eye gel can help too, especially if it’s been stored in the fridge. You probably also want to avoid a lot of eye makeup. The last thing you want is to call more attention to your eyes when they aren’t at their best.
3. You’ve Lost Your Glow
It’s sad when you lose your glow! This happens partially because your skin is dry. Your skin tends to dehydrate easier when you aren’t getting enough sleep at night. While getting a full night’s sleep regularly is the cure, there are some things you can do to help with this until then. Drinking lots of water and slathering your face with moisturizer can both be beneficial. You can also explore tips for dry lips below to keep your whole face hydrated.
4. Your Lips Are Dry
Not only is your face dry when you’re short on sleep, but your lips are as well. This is one of the most annoying issues that result from lack of sleep. Again, drinking water can help. Layering up on lip balm is the other way to help your lips when they’re dried out. My current favorite is the EOS lip balm, so if you need a new one, you may want to check them out. For more skincare essentials, see our top skincare picks.
5. Your Wrinkles Are More Pronounced
If you don’t have wrinkles yet, then skip this one. For the rest of us, this isn’t a fun side effect of running on fumes. For some reason, wrinkles seem more pronounced when you aren’t getting enough sleep. Other than using your eye cream, I don’t know a lot of solutions for this one. This is definitely motivation to establish an earlier bedtime, though!
6. You May Have an Acne Flare-up
Missing sleep can cause you to have an acne flare-up, which no one ever wants. The lack of sleep itself can do this, as well as the fact that you may not be as vigilant about removing your makeup when you’re exhausted. I’ve been guilty of this a few times myself and I always regret it in the morning. Be sure to use your acne medication when you’re having a flare-up and work on getting into a better bedtime routine soon. Your skin will thank you in more ways than one!
7. Your Smile is MIA
Lastly, sleepless nights can result in your smile going missing. You’re exhausted, you feel stressed, and you just aren’t your normal happy self. This not only looks less than stellar, but it feels that way as well. It’s difficult to get in bed when so many things fight for your attention, but it’s important. You’ll look better, you’ll feel better, and be healthier when you get enough sleep.
- Establish a tech-free wind-down routine.
- Keep your bedroom cool and dark.
- Avoid caffeine late in the afternoon.
These are seven ways that sleepless nights show in your face. Which of these is the biggest issue for you? How do you make sure you get enough rest?