AI images show what not getting enough sleep can do to your body and the ugly toll it can take on your face

Beauty buffs, take note: your sleep routine might need a serious makeover.From dull, blotchy skin to bloating, a new study from sleep tech company Simba Sleep reveals the surprising effects of not getting enough rest on both your appearance and overall health.“A lack of sleep doesn’t just leave you tired — it shows up all over your body,” said Lisa Artis, deputy CEO of Simba’s charity partner, The Sleep Charity.Simba’s study of 2,175 adults across the UK found that more than 60% of people aren’t getting the recommended seven hours of sleep each night, with women being the hardest hit. Participants were also asked about their physical health and appearance, and Simba used artificial intelligence to visualize the impact of inadequate rest.They found that skin is one of the first places to show the effects of sleepless nights.Among women, 28% reported sensitive skin after consistently missing out on sleep, compared to just 17% of men.

Other complaints included fragile nails, uneven skin tone, and a lackluster complexion.“At night, the skin works overtime to regenerate and repair itself,” Artis explained.“When sleep is compromised, reduced blood flow causes the skin to appear sallow and lack vibrancy, stripping it of its natural glow and vitality.”Worse still, sleep deprivation can spike levels of cortisol — the body’s stress hormone — exacerbating inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, causing redness, irritation, and itching.Simba’s study found that people aged 35 to 44 experienced the most noticeable effects, with nearly half reporting more eczema on their faces.

Meanwhile, 70% of those aged 18 to 34 noticed increased facial dermatitis, and over half of this group reported psoriasis on their arms.The study also identified a link between sleep deprivation and weight gain.Nearly seven in ten participants with a body mass index (BMI) in the obese category reported sleeping less than seven hours a night, compared to 44% o...