Sleep plays an important role in regulating brain regeneration, function, and the production of stem cells. It has been proved medically that disturbed sleep affects the mind and body. Memory loss, depression, and mood disorders are also found to be associated with the lack of sleep. Less sleep is also one of the reasons for heart problems, skin problems, and of course hair loss.
Let’s find out if there is any co-relation between hair loss and lack of adequate sleep, a disturbed sleep pattern, and its management therein.
How does it cause hair loss:
The clinical findings have proven it. The National Institutes of Health has an advisory stating that inadequate sleep or a disturbed sleep pattern affects an individual’s hair health. An adequate, and undisturbed sleep can effectively restore a growth hormone and the protein needed for hair follicle maintenance.
The human brain produces a hormone named melatonin. This hormone helps to regulate the sleep cycle. The sleep cycle is directly associated with the release of hormones in the human body. So, inadequate sleep reduces the amount of melatonin in the human body which eventually causes hair loss.
Stress is called the main culprit behind sleepless nights. Stressful events in professional or personal life take a toll as losing hair. Technically, this is known as Telogen Effluvium. This is the condition when the resting phase of a hair follicle sets in earlier than its normal span.
management of hair loss
Dr Nav Vikram, chief transplant surgeon at NeoGraft Hair Clinic has the following advice to manage hair loss due to inadequate sleep or a disturbed sleep pattern.
1. Foremost is to improve sleep quality. Watch out for your pillow. If you find hair strands scattered over it, the hair fall has set in. This hair loss can also be due to lack of sleep or good quality sleep. Look out for factors that can be a deterrent to good sleep such as room temperature, over-lighted room, or noisy surroundings.
2. Put all electronic gadgets away at least an hour before the time to bed.
A sleep cycle should be maintained. One should maintain a fixed schedule to go to bed and wake up. A regular body clock (circadian) activates the timely release of all required hormones, proteins, and enzymes that are needed for hair growth.
3. Nutritions are crucial for improving hair health. Schedule your diet with food that is rich in vitamins like zinc, biotin, and iron should be on the platter. Avoid junk food. Go for food that is naturally rich in vitamins and minerals. Green veggies, carrots, and fruit such as avocado make a healthy intake. Healthy, and shining hair on the scalp needs these vitamins and minerals.
4. Keep the stress at bay. Stress can cause sleepless nights and hair loss in turn. Find out ways to deal with stress. Long walks are found to be a major stress buster. Find out what gives you a relaxed thought. It may be spending time with family and friends, practicing yoga, meditation, relaxation, and exercise.
YES, IT IS REVERSIBLE
According to Dr. Nav Vikram, generally, people who stay up late at night or those who are workaholics face hair loss due to the lack of sleep at night. Once the cortisol level is restored to normal levels, the body starts functioning normally and returns to normal mode. As all the body functions start working well, the hair growth cycle catches up to normal.
