A new study focuses on light exposure and its impact on sleep pattern. Strong light helps regulate the functioning of brain cells in the locus coeruleus, the part of the brain which regulates arousal, and also regulates the sleep/wake cycle.

Perpetual light deprivation prevents the locus coeruleus from functioning properly, leading to changes in the sleep-wake cycle.

Getting enough good quality sleep is so important for your overall well being, and for your skin’s health and repair. This study is particularly important for those who work on shifts, as shift work is likely to throw off your body’s normal sleep-wake regulation.

It’s common for those on shift-work to have trouble sleeping or to be very tired; this is noticeably worse during the early morning and night shifts. Shift workers tend to sleep one to four hours less than average. Subjectively, they feel their quality of sleep is very poor; they do not feel well rested when they wake up.

One of the ways to cope with working overnight shifts is to increase the lighting of your office or work space. Very high light exposure will help your body feel that its “daytime” which will help you sleep better during your “night”.

Using room darkening blinds or curtains in your bedroom will also be helpful to keep out the daylight so you can sleep well.

Shift-work induced sleep problems impact men and women of all age groups. It’s estimated that at least 2-5% of the general population is affected, and this number is higher if you include those who work early-morning shifts.

Getting good sleep is an important foundation for healthy skin. Take all the steps necessary to make sure your sleep is, indeed, beauty sleep.

A new study of perchlorate, a chemical commonly used in rocket fuel, pyrotechnics, road flares and explosives has been shown to slow down thyroid function in women. Perchlorate is widespread in the US, and is found in drinking water, ground water, and foods, including milk, grains, vegetables, and fruit.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found that high levels of perchlorate led to low thyroid functioning in women, but not in men. The women who were most effected had low iodine intake.

This is important because perchlorate could be one pathway to developing hypothyroidism, which is a medical condition resulting from diminished thyroid function. People with hypothyroidism tend to have dry, puffy skin, weight gain, fatigue, mental slowdown, and other symptoms. They may also show yellowing of the skin due to problems converting beta carotene to vitamin A.

This study was completed on 2300 people, and a larger follow up study is currently underway.

If you are troubled by the symptoms of hypothyroidism, including dry, puffy, or yellowing skin, please seek medical advice immediately.