In our fast paced society, sleep frequently has to contend with time that is not enough for the plethora of undertakings that we must successfully complete, thus leading to a strengthening of its importance. Yet the importance of quality sleep is not about only feeling refreshed, rather it is a whole better version of yourself. Our hair’s health which is expressed by growth, resiliency, radiance and overall health derives its benefits from adequate sleep. This paper purports to be a holistic examination of the tremendous positive influence which meticulous sleep has on our hair as far as the maintenance, vitality, and growth go.
1. Hair Growth Cycle:
The fact that the female central nervous system is under constant stress is the main reason behind the hair fall. Humans have a cycle of hair growth that consists out of anagen phase (growth), catagen phase (transition) and telogen one (recovery). Sleep quality is known to stimulate the anagen phase, followed by hair growth being both duration and efficiency of this hair growth. Changes in sleep patterns which are less of a duration or quality sleep can interrupt the natural hair growth cycle, known as telogen effluvium, causing hair loss, slower hair growth, and more (hair) falls that occur.
2. Hormonal Balance:
Sleep, in a way, is the ultimate regulator of our body's hormone production and ensuring the balance. For instance, hormones, specifically melatonin, cortisol, and growth hormone (GH) are so important in hair and hair growth. Melatonin, frequently known as the sleep hormone, is the key to the regulation mechanism of the natural growth of human hair follicles. Proper sleep constitutes the primary determinant in the processes of melatonin production, the turbo charge or enhancement in hair growth and quality. However, sleep deprivation has an influence of lowering the production of melatonin which can in turn lead to hair thinning and loss of hair density.
3. Reduced Stress Levels:
Quality sleep is the key part of stress reduction, with most of your daily life depending on the state of your well-being The role of chronic stress as a factor that can damage hair health is evidenced by hair loss, thinning, and a higher rate of split ends. Sleep deprivation may result in higher levels of stress that can interfere with the body`s overall ability of handling unplanned stress. By putting quality sleep as one of your priorities you are lowering the levels of stress hormones, like cortisol and thus creating a better environment for the growth of your hair and also you are making your hair product from stress-related issues.
4. Blood Flow and Nutrient Delivery:
Sleep is a phase when the functions in our physical being are taking part in rebuilding, renewal, and remedy. Sleep is a time when blood flow to the scalp heightens, which results in the improvement of delivery oxygen and required nutrients in the hair follicles. Extreme blood circulation in this case is feeding all the hair follicles with the needed nutrients thereby aiding in the growth, strength, and overall good health of the hair. Inflammatory component of hair follicle function is insufficient sleep due to the limited nitric oxide causing hardening of the reticulin of the arteries in the hair matrix and subsequently affecting hair growth and leading to hair problems.
5. Inflammation and Immune Function:
When we sleep, our bodies produce immune cells that fight infections and inflammation; therefore, high-quality sleep is essential to keep a healthy immune system and an inflammatory balance in our body. Long-term inflammation alters the hair follicles’ natural cycle and may result in hair loss conditions, for instance alopecia and the scalp diseases amongst others. Moreover, the hair follicles become very vulnerable to external factors as the immune system of a person is damaged and this slows down the growth process. Having a good sleep every night is the main approach to stabilizing the immunity system and minimizing swelling. Such a strategy is meant to deliver the optimum hair condition.
6. Nighttime Hair Care:
Not only can the quality of sleep be also boosted by using ways of taking care of the hair in the right way. A scratch in the hair during sleep cannot be tolerated but should be prevented. It lead to brisnly and damage. Simply using satin or silk pillowcases, more comfortable hair ties, and mild hair wraps or braiding can solve that. Combination of these habits with adequate amount of time of sleep helps grow healthier hair and protects from any breakage and damage.
One cannot stress enough the significance of quality sleep for your hair health and better growth. Sleeping with an optimum amount of sleep plays a significant role in supporting the hair growth cycle, hormonal balance, stress reduction, better blood flow and delivery of nutrients to cells, strengthening the immune system, and allowing the body to function efficiently at night hours. When juggling work, household chores, and taking care of kids, our sleep schedule often takes the back seat. Because of this, it is not surprising that most Americans reported a bad night's sleep several times each week. Having a good sleep pattern is not only important to the overall beauty of your hair but is also required in the efforts towards having long and glossy locks.
