If You Sleep Better, Do You Look Better?

What's the deal about beauty sleep? Is it true that sleeping helps you look more attractive?

According to Medical News Today, people who finally get sleep after being treated for sleep apnea appeared more alert, youthful and attractive. In a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 20 adults with  sleep apnea - a condition linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, depression and stroke -  were treated using CPAP therapy (continuous positive airway pressure). CPAP therapy requires patients to wear a face mask while they sleep in order to open their airway. The treatment can help relieve snoring, improve alertness and lower blood pressure. The attractiveness of the patients was measured with 3D photography before and after each treatment.  The researchers used computer software to analyze  the fullness and color of patients’ faces. Additionally  the “before” and “after” photos of each patient were rated for measures of attractiveness by 22 independent reviewers. 68 percent of ratings indicated that patients looked more alert after treatment, 67 percent noted that they appeared more attractive and 64 percent  characterized them as more youthful. Furthermore, the computer software analysis indicated a decrease in volume in the patients’ faces and less redness in the eyes and cheeks after undergoing CPAP therapy.

It seems that mom knew what she was talking about when she tried to convince us all that we needed our beauty sleep. Get your shut eye today to keep that youthful appearance.