Is your sleep schedule off? If you’re anything like the rest of us, your sleep (along with your daily routine) is probably way different than it used to be. As a result, you’re possibly reaching for more coffee throughout the day to keep you going, and then staying up late scrolling social media or binging Netflix. You’re also probably noticing bags underneath your eyes or changes in your skin as a result of these extra late nights. If you see bags or other changes in your appearance as a result of not sleeping, don’t panic! There’s still hope for your skin—and your sleep schedule.

How Lack of Sleep Can Affect Your Appearance

The skin around the eyes is thinner than the rest of the skin on your body. Because it’s thinner, this means that blood vessels are closer to the surface, so when you don’t get enough sleep, these blood vessels get bigger. Bigger blood vessels mean increased blood flow to the area, which causes the appearance of dark circles and even puffiness.

A lack of sleep can also lead to undereye puffiness. This puffiness happens because fluid can leak into the skin, causing a swollen appearance.

Furthermore, other consequences of not getting enough sleep can mean some other issues with your appearance. Some people get droopy or red eyes, look pale or have sagging corners of the mouth, too.

The National Institutes of Health has also reported that some sleep study participants even have more wrinkles or fine lines than their peers who get enough sleep. They also found people who don’t get enough sleep even look sadder than those who are getting at least eight hours a night.

So, What Can You Do?

Get more sleep, obviously. We get that sleep can be hard to come by right now for many people, but it’s crucial to try to get as much sleep as possible for both your appearance and your overall health. Aim for at least seven to eight hours a night.

Here are a few things we suggest:

Establish a Routine. Go to sleep at the same time every night and wake up at the same time each morning.
Take Naps. If you must nap, take your nap before 3 p.m.
Limit late-day caffeine. We suggest staying away from caffeinated beverages late in the day. Also, avoid alcohol late in the day as well. It’s a myth that a drink will help you sleep better!
Workout regularly. Exercise can help you sleep better, but don’t hit the gym or go for a run within two to three hours of your bedtime.
Clean Up Eating habits. Avoid eating heavy meals late in the day. If you need a snack, keep it light.
Turn off electronics. Put down your phone and turn off the TV at least one hour before bed. Try to read or do something else that relaxes you before going to sleep.

Still can’t sleep?

If you still aren’t seeing better sleep after trying our tips, you still get rid of your undereye bags! One quick fix is to use teabags. Do so by placing two tea bags in cool water and placing them under your eyes. Leave on for just a few minutes, and you’ll see the difference! Teabags work by constricting blood vessels and preventing fluid from leaking into the skin.