Many patients ask us if the lack of sleep can cause their hair to fall out ... in short YES!
Sleep deficit is very common as we all try to get as much done as we can in our day. This often leads to the cycle of lack of sleep leading to stress to then causing further sleep issues. This cycle is what triggers and increases your chance of suffering hair shedding known as telogen effluvium. Mostly this is a temporary hair loss state until your stress impacts have resolved and you regain your health sleep pattern.
For some of us this temporary hair shedding can trigger long term hair loss such as androgenetic alopecia.
Good healthy sleep is very important for your hair. While we sleep we produce human growth hormones. Sleeping also helps with the natural production of melatonin which has been linked to hair growth.
For those who are already suffering hair loss, such as male/female patterned hair loss, lack of sleep is a form of stress that exacerbates your hair loss. If not controlled you can get permanent hair loss through the shock of continued hair shedding. Bringing back a good sleep routine with good sleep hygiene your hair production is resumed to your normal levels.
Key sleep hygiene tips for hair growth:
Maintain a regular sleep routine
Avoid day time naps
Reduce the temperature in your room
Reduce alcohol intake
Quit smoking
Drown out surrounding light
Manage stress through night time mindfulness
Use a silk pillowcase
Avoid sleeping with wet hair
Apply your personalised hair serum 45 minutes before going to bed
Detangle your hair before bed
Never tie your hair up when sleeping
Aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep
The quality of your sleep, and how much rest you get, is a direct impact of your hair growth success.