How to Function After a Sleepless Night

You know how important it is to log a solid 7 to 8 hours of shuteye every night. But we understand: Sometimes research papers, newborn babies, and House of Cards marathons get in the way.

So what should you do when morning rolls around and you’re completely running on empty? Follow these tips to wring the best from your exhausted body.

Scrub Your Face

Research in the British Medical Journal shows that when you miss out on sleep, people perceive you as less attractive and less healthy. This is because your skin releases toxins through your sweat glands at night, says Lesley Corridan of the International Dermal Institute.

The Scary Side Effect of One Sleepless Night

BY JESSICA GIRDWAIN

Forget hits to the head—just one night of sleep deprivation creates changes in the brain similar to a mild concussion, according to new research from Sweden. 

The small study was done on 15 healthy guys. One night they got 8 hours of sleep in the lab, and another night, total sleep deprivation. The men played games, read, or watched movies to stay awake.

After the all-nighter, blood samples revealed that certain levels of neurochemical markers associated with brain cell damage rose by 20 percent compared to when the guys snagged a full night’s rest.