As we age we know that not all things will be as they use to be. We expect our skin to have wrinkles. We expect to gain “wisdom”, also known as pesky gray hair. We know that naturally our bodies will breakdown. Our bones will be come more brittle. Tasks that were simple during youth would become difficult. It has come to be known as a natural part of life, and for the most part we have accepted it. For years we have all dreamed of a magic cure, or a fountain of youth. Although we dream of younger days could we be doing something in our youth and adulthood to increase our chances of aging quickly.
Studies found that good and poor sleepers show statistically significant differences in skin aging (University). The participants in which poor sleep occurred, showed increased signs of skin aging. Which included but is not limited to fine lines, uneven pigmentation and reduced elasticity of the skin (University). All of these are classic signs of aging. Usually the pronounced effects of skin aging do not become noticeable until people are in their late forties (Tortora). The women who participated in this study were between the ages of 30 and 49, and still showed a significant appearance of aging due to the lack of good sleep (University).
Although this research shows how sleep affects aging skin, it also gives us some insight on how to help with aging. Aging skin is a popular topic in our lives, no one wants to age quickly and most don’t want to age at all. This study shows us one area we can improve on. This just one solution we can implement into our lives to help with the dreadful process of aging.
Tortora G.J. and B. Derrickson. 2012. Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. 13th ed., John Wiley and Sons
University Hospitals Case Medical Center. “Sleep deprivation linked to aging skin, study suggests.” ScienceDaily, 23 Jul. 2013. Web. 6 Oct. 2013.