Lack Of Sleep Is Making Your Hair Fall Out

Staying up to binge-watch your favorite show may seem like a great idea in theory, but it turns out lack of sleep can do more harm than you think. (We’re talking well beyond groggy mornings and dark circles.) We tapped Gregg Rosenblum, hair loss prevention specialist at Regenix, for the hard facts on how skimping on beauty rest can actually ruin your hair. Read on to find out what to do about it—and maybe consider putting those old episodes of Sex and the City on the back burner.

Catch Some Z's

Why Skimping On Sleep Causes Hair Loss

"Chronic lack of sleep will most likely cause hair loss. There isn't a direct scientific correlation between hair loss and sleep, but there is an indirect connection due to the stress it puts on the body. Simply put, prolonged lack of sleep has a negative impact on the body. Symptoms can include a weakened immune system, abnormal hormone secretions and decreased physical and mental stamina. The hair is extremely sensitive to those kinds of issues, and hair loss almost always follows."

How To Rescue Your Hair (Even If You Can't Sleep)

"If your sleep pattern is off, there are still ways to prevent hair loss. The healthier you are, the better potential your hair has to grow. What can you do? Eat a healthy diet and supplement. Keep your stress low. Exercise. Get annual physicals with blood work. Use quality haircare products. Take care of yourself!"

More Hair-Loss Culprits To Watch Out For

Hormones: "Just as postpartum pregnancy hormone changes can cause temporary hair loss, so can switching or going off birth-control pills. The decreasing of hormones that occurs at menopause may also cause thinning, but it varies from person to person."

Stress: "A physical trauma, like surgery, a car accident or severe illness can cause hair loss. These kinds of stressful events can shock the hair and induce a hair fall cycle, or shedding phase. This kind of hair loss can happen three to eight months after the event."

Poor Diet: "If you don't get enough protein in your diet, your body may ration protein by shutting down hair growth. This can happen after about two to three months of eating poorly."