By now, kids and young adults are back in school, and the working folks are back to working even harder. Seeing the summer come and go can be depressing for some and exciting for others.

One factor is certain, without sufficient sleep, one can’t be at their optimal.

Sleep is a vital component to our overall health and well-being. Studies show that adults require seven to nine hours of sleep each night.

Nearly seven out of ten Americans say they experience frequent sleep problems and nearly two thirds of Americans lose sleep because of stress. Sleepless nights can be caused by stress, depression, medication side effects, allergies, smoking, chronic pain and certain health conditions.

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It is common that many adults suffer from sleep disorders such as, obstructive sleep apnea which causes snoring, gaps in breathing and gasping for breath when you sleep (linked to depression) and restless leg syndrome which causes sudden urges to move your body, walk or kick.

Rest Can Impact Hair Health

Lack of sleep affects our longevity, productivity and mood. Poor sleeping habits can lead to greater risk for depression, anxiety, increased high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, impaired memory, reduced immune system functioning, weight gain and diabetes, and increases the likelihood of accidents.

Many don’t realize that lack of sleep also affects hair growth. When your body doesn’t have the necessary time it needs to repair itself, then that affects how long it takes for your hair to grow the half inch it typically should grow a month.

READ: Develop a Daily Hair Care Routine and Cultivate Fabulous Hair

Rather than counting sheep, try some of these tips to better your sleeping habits:

• Schedule your sleep. Set a bedtime and wake-up time.
• Try to relax. Take a warm bath or read a book.
• Create a peaceful, comfortable sleeping environment.
• Detach from your thoughts. Worries can keep you awake.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime.
• Avoid eating or exercising heavily right before bedtime. Though, exercising regularly will help your body to sleep when the time comes.

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If these tips don’t help and you’re still tired, have difficulty sleeping or staying asleep, wake up feeling tired, or can’t sleep more than three nights a week, you should talk to your doctor for further guidance.

 

Protect your hair when you go to sleep

While getting sufficient sleep helps your hair’s growth cycle, it’s also important to protect your hair while you sleep.

Wearing sleeping caps or wrapping your hair in a silk turban when you’re catching z’s is highly recommended for the following five reasons:

VIEW: Turban Hair Inspiration Board

1) Promote Hair Growth & Minimize Hair Loss

Sleeping caps and silk scarves worn as turbans prevent friction and breakage that is caused by your hair rubbing against your pillow. They also protect your hair from excess shedding.

2) Prevent Tangling

If you toss and turn when you sleep, like me, then I know your hair is tangled come morning. Always comb your hair before you get into bed and gently twist your hair up onto the top of your head and wrap it in a silk scarf to prevent new tangles and split ends from forming.

READ: Learn to Comb Your Hair the Right Way

3) Reduce Breakouts & Blemishes

Keeping hair off of your face and fully covered at night will stop the oils that are saturated on top of your scalp from seeping into and clogging up the pores on your face. Thus reducing outbreaks and preventing blemishes from forming in the first place.

4) Preserve Curls & Prevent Frizz

Natural curls can get messy overnight from tossing and turning. Covering your curly hair in a silk scarf when you sleep will help to keep the spirals intact. It will also help to preserve your straightened locks too.

5) Hair Treatments

Treatments like masks and oils left on hair overnight can help repair dry and damaged hair. Covering your hair with a plastic shower cap when you apply an overnight treatment is recommended to avoid them from rubbing off on your pillow and sheets.

READ: The Best Hair Oils to Promote Growth

Keep in mind that you can also wear your hair in a turban during the day especially if you are looking for a simple hairstyle that can add a pop of style with just the right scarf.