Can a Lack of Sleep Cause Hair Loss? How to Sleep Better

Without adequate sleep, it is difficult for the body to repair, regenerate, and promote hair growth. Insomnia (also called sleep deprivation) may disrupt your physical and emotional health.¹Krista O’Connell, https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia-concerns, Healthline Your hair is susceptible to changes in the body. This sensitivity forms the basis for which hair loss will occur.²Micah Abraham, BSc, https://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/symptoms/hair-loss, Calm Clinic

Lack of sleep is one of the main reasons why we experience physical and emotional stress especially when there is no visible trace of hard labour or tasking activity. When the body is without adequate sleep, it becomes difficult for it to absorb nutrients. When the body’s required supply of nutrients is cut short, it becomes difficult to maintain health. Thus, leaving the body with a weakened immune system, loss of hair sheen and thickness, receding hairline and a generally unhealthy hair.³Suzann Connell, https://www.livestrong.com/article/234332-tiredness-symptoms-hair-loss/, Livestrong

To stop hair loss caused by insomnia would ideally begin with finding ways to sleep better. Some possible routes are:

Create a healthy sleep routine

Try to sleep at a fixed time and wake up at the same time every day. Creating a routine will over time help your body adjust for the better. More sleep means improved health and ultimately, reduced or no hair loss from sleep deprivation.

Exercise regularly

Exercise can send the body into a rest mode. As we expend physical energy, the body signals the brain that rest is needed and that the body needs to regenerate. Yoga is a great exercise to get the blood flowing to your head to help hair growth.⁴Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA, https://www.healthline.com/health/yoga-for-hair, Healthline It also improves daily energy, mental health, reduces stress and anxiety and boosts immunity.

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Choose comfortable mattress and pillows

Poorly sought-out sleep equipment such as mattresses, pillows and even blankets may not support rest/sleep. Test out the mattress and pillow before you purchase to ensure they are best suited to you and explore a range of styles available.

Turn down the lights

Check for things that can cause night or suddenly bring light that may disturb your sleep. A good thing to do is to switch the lights off before hitting the bed.

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Go low on caffeine

Reduce your coffee intake to the barest minimum, as well as any other substances that contains nicotine. Both function as stimulants and thus can inhibit sleep. It is recommended to stop drinking caffeine at a minimum of 6 hours before you go to sleep to reduce sleep problems.⁵Danielle Pacheco, https://www.sleepfoundation.org/nutrition/caffeine-and-sleep, Sleep Foundation

Cut down on the sugars

Sugary foods and refined carbs make you hyperactive and increase restlessness at night. Sugar causes your blood sugar levels to increase and overstimulates the body. This doesn’t support sleep in any way especially if they were eaten just before bedtime.

Don’t do late-night meals

When you eat food late into the night, the chances are that you’ll have to stay up longer waiting for the food to digest and possibly, suffer indigestion and discomfort. It is recommended to stop eating around three hours before you got to bed to allow your body to digest the foods correctly and reduce sleep disruption.

Seek Support

Alternatively you can seek the support of a qualified counsellor to discuss the underlying causes of what is impacting your sleep.

Counselling can take different forms depending on your needs and what type of therapy may be suitable.

Most counselling takes place in planned, regular sessions which last for around 50 minutes. How often you see your counsellor and how many appointments you have will depend on your individual circumstances, and will be agreed between you and your therapist.

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Footnote Links:

1. Krista O’Connell, https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia-concerns, Healthline
2. Micah Abraham, BSc, https://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/symptoms/hair-loss, Calm Clinic
3. Suzann Connell, https://www.livestrong.com/article/234332-tiredness-symptoms-hair-loss/, Livestrong
4. Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA, https://www.healthline.com/health/yoga-for-hair, Healthline
5. Danielle Pacheco, https://www.sleepfoundation.org/nutrition/caffeine-and-sleep, Sleep Foundation