Can dark circles from lack of sleep go away?

Author: Garrison Gaylord  |  Last update: Monday, October 20, 2025

If you want to reduce the appearance of dark circles under your eyes, adopting a healthier lifestyle and — most importantly — getting more rest are key. Lack of sleep is a major cause of dark circles under the eyes, says McKinley-Grant, so doing what you can to get enough sleep is key to eliminating those dark circles.

Can dark circles from lack of sleep be reversed?

People can make sure they are getting enough quality sleep each night to help reduce or prevent dark circles. Raising the head up on extra pillows may help reduce dark circles and swelling around the eyes. Applying cucumber slices to the eyes may soothe tired eyes and reduce swelling, according to older 2013 research.

How many hours do I need to sleep to get rid of dark circles?

There are many things you can do at home to get rid of the dark circles under your eyes. Home remedies may include: Get more sleep. Try to get at least seven hours of sleep each night to prevent shadows from appearing around your eyes.

Can dark circles go permanently?

Although it is not always possible to remove dark circles permanently, some treatments may lessen their appearance, and lifestyle changes may help. People may see results from using cold compresses, caffeine eye products, or makeup to temporarily reduce dark eye circles.

Are eyebags from lack of sleep permanent?

Mild under-eye bags caused by factors like lack of sleep or temporary fluid retention might diminish with proper care and lifestyle changes.

Fix the Root Cause of Dark Circles Under the Eyes

How do you fix Eyebags from lack of sleep?

Home remedies for eye bags
  1. Use a cool compress on your eyes. ...
  2. Make sure you get enough sleep. ...
  3. Sleep with your head raised slightly. ...
  4. Try to avoid drinking fluids before bed, and limit salt in your diet. ...
  5. Quit smoking. ...
  6. Try to reduce your allergy symptoms and avoid excessive eyelid rubbing. ...
  7. Use cosmetics.

Is 5 hours of sleep enough?

False: Sleep experts say that most adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night for optimal health. Getting fewer hours of sleep will eventually need to be replenished with additional sleep in the next few nights. Our body does not seem to get used to less sleep than it needs.

Does screen time cause dark circles?

An unhealthy diet lacking essential vitamins and minerals, particularly Vitamin C and Zinc, can contribute to dark circles. Eye strain: Prolonged screen time can cause blood vessels around the eyes to enlarge, resulting in the appearance of dark circles.

How to remove dark circles in 2 minutes?

Cold Compress

A cold compress is a simple yet effective home remedy for reducing dark circles by constricting blood vessels and reducing puffiness around the eyes. Soak a clean washcloth in cold water or refrigerate it for a few minutes to make a cold compress.

Are dark circles reversible?

Some treatments can brighten dark circles, keep them from getting worse and sometimes get rid of them altogether, depending on what's causing them, Dr. Lee said. Lasers. Fractional laser resurfacing (also known as Fraxel) can remove any brownish discoloration by peeling off the pigmented layer of skin, Dr.

Can vaseline remove dark circles?

While, unfortunately, Vaseline won't do much to help erase deep-set wrinkles or brighten dark circles, Sarkar says the product can provide some of the same hydrating effects as your go-to eye cream — especially when it's paired with a moisturizing cream. "Vaseline is something that's called an occlusive," she says.

Will my dark circles go away if I fix my sleep schedule?

While sleep problems are a top contributing factor — and yes, getting better sleep can help reduce dark circles! — there are actually several potential causes of dark circles under your eyes.

Does anything actually reduce dark circles?

Laser therapy or chemical peels can be helpful to some people. Injectable fillers can smooth the hollows that cause shadows. Other options are platelet-rich plasma injections and surgery to reduce puffy lids.

Why does lack of sleep cause weight gain?

Yale New Haven Health endocrinologist Brian Wojeck, MD, MPH, assistant professor at Yale School of Medicine, says one study shows sleep deprivation can lead to an increase in the “hunger hormone” ghrelin and a decrease in the “satiety hormone” leptin, resulting in an increased feeding drive.

What time should I go to bed?

Teens should try to go to bed between 9:00 and 10:00 p.m. Adults should try to go to sleep between 10:00 and 11:00 p.m.

What worsens dark circles?

Dark circles under the eyes are usually more noticeable when you're tired. Other lifestyle factors that may contribute to dark circles under the eyes are smoking, drinking too much alcohol and stress.

How to remove permanent dark circles?

How to cure dark circles?
  1. Get adequate sleep.
  2. Apply cold compressing.
  3. Minimize sun exposure.
  4. Use a retinol face cream.
  5. Stay adequately hydrated.
  6. Use a toxin-free under-eye cream.
  7. Stay away from stressful situations.
  8. Take a nutritious diet, stay away from junk food.

How to recover eye strain?

How is eyestrain relieved?
  1. Resting the eyes.
  2. Changing the work environment to reduce reflections, glare and bright lighting, and increasing the room's humidity.
  3. Wearing the proper prescription glasses or adjusting the font. ...
  4. Using over-the-counter artificial tears.

How do I correct my dark circles?

Good skincare is essential for erasing dark circles. Gently tap Extra Eye Repair Cream beneath eyes to moisturize, smooth and prep undereyes for makeup. Color correct darkness with natural tones using Corrector.

What is the best product for dark circles under eyes?

Eye Creams & Treatments
  • The INKEY ListCaffeine De-puffing + Dark Circle Eye Cream. ...
  • iNNBEAUTY PROJECTExtreme Cream Eye Firming & Contouring Refillable Eye Cream. ...
  • TatchaThe Brightening Eye Cream with Vitamin-C for Dark Circles. ...
  • belifAqua Bomb Depuffing Eye Gel with Caffeine + Hyaluronic Acid.

How little sleep can you survive on?

48 Hours Without Sleep

After a couple of days in a row without enough sleep, you probably won't die—but you will have trouble staying awake. You may fall asleep no matter what you are doing, though that sleep is not going to be as restful as your body needs.

Is sleep debt a thing?

If you regularly lose sleep or choose to sleep less than needed, the sleep loss adds up. The total sleep lost is called your sleep debt. For example, if you lose 2 hours of sleep each night, you'll have a sleep debt of 14 hours after a week. Some people nap to deal with sleepiness.

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