Dermatologist explains how sleep hygiene directly affects hair growth and what you can do

Poor sleep disrupts hair growth cycles, raises stress hormones and worsens scalp health. A dermatologist explains how sleep hygiene affects hair fall. (Image: Pexels)

When it comes to hair health, most people treat it as a surface-level concern, addressing issues with topical products, salon treatments, or nutritional supplements. However, one of the most overlooked contributors to hair growth and hair fall lies in the way we sleep.

Dr Abhishek Pilani, MD (Dermatology) and Founder of Assure Clinic, shared more on how sleep hygiene, which refers to the quality, duration, and regularity of sleep, has a direct and measurable impact on hair growth cycles.

The Problem

Hair follicles are highly active structures that depend on the body’s internal repair mechanisms. These repair processes are most active during deep, uninterrupted sleep. When we sleep well, the body enters restorative phases where growth hormones are released, cellular repair accelerates, and blood circulation to the scalp improves. This environment supports healthy hair growth and strengthens existing strands.

Also Read: Causes of hair fall: Chronic stress and poor sleep can impact hair health, warn dermatologists

Poor sleep hygiene disrupts this balance. Irregular sleep timings, frequent awakenings, late-night screen exposure, and insufficient sleep reduce the amount of deep sleep the body gets. As a result, hair follicles do not receive adequate time to repair and regenerate. Over time, this can shorten the hair’s growth phase, pushing more strands prematurely into the shedding phase, which many people experience as increased hair fall.

Stress is another key link between sleep and hair health. Lack of sleep elevates cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone. High cortisol can interfere with nutrient delivery to hair follicles and disrupt hormonal balance, both of which are essential for steady hair growth. This explains why people going through prolonged sleep deprivation often notice thinning hair, dullness, or excessive shedding.

Additionally, sleep affects scalp health. Poor sleep can worsen inflammatory conditions such as dandruff or scalp sensitivity, creating an unhealthy environment for hair to grow. Reduced blood flow and oxygen supply during restless sleep further weaken hair roots.

Also Read: Is it normal to lose 150 strands of hair on a daily basis? This is what a dermatologist has to say

What you can do

Maintaining good sleep hygiene does not require drastic changes. Consistent sleep and wake times, limiting screen use before bed, creating a calm night-time routine, and ensuring adequate sleep duration can significantly improve overall hair health. In the long run, treating sleep as a foundational pillar of hair care can be just as important as any external treatment, if not more.

FAQs on Sleep Hygiene and Hair Growth

1. How does sleep hygiene impact hair growth?

Quality sleep allows growth hormones to release, accelerates cellular repair, and improves blood circulation to the scalp, supporting healthy hair growth.

2. What are the consequences of poor sleep hygiene on hair health?

Poor sleep disrupts hair follicle repair and regeneration, shortens the hair's growth phase, and elevates cortisol levels, leading to increased hair fall and stress-related hair issues.

3. How can I improve my sleep hygiene for better hair health?

Maintain consistent sleep and wake times, limit screen use before bed, create a calm nighttime routine, and ensure adequate sleep duration.

4. Can sleep deprivation cause hair thinning?

Yes, prolonged sleep deprivation elevates cortisol levels, interfering with nutrient delivery to hair follicles and causing thinning hair, dullness, or excessive shedding.

5. Does poor sleep affect scalp health?

Poor sleep can worsen inflammatory conditions like dandruff or scalp sensitivity and reduce blood flow and oxygen supply, weakening hair roots.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.