They call it "beauty sleep" for a reason. During deep rest, your skin repairs, collagen rebuilds, and your natural glow returns. Yet for many women going through menopause, that kind of restorative sleep starts to feel almost mythical. Hot flushes, night sweats, and anxious wakefulness become common companions, leaving skin looking tired and dull, no matter how many serums you apply.
As an award-winning makeup artist who works with women over 40 every day, I see the effects of sleeplessness on the skin and eyes firsthand. It’s not just about looking tired When women tell me they’ve barely slept, I can see it in their skin tone, texture, and even their lashes. The skin loses its bounce, and the eyes look less defined. But once sleep improves, everything from foundation to lashes sits better. It’s like the face wakes up again."
Why Sleep Changes During Menopause
As oestrogen and progesterone levels decline, the hormones that help regulate body temperature, mood, and sleep begin to fluctuate. Oestrogen supports the production of serotonin and melatonin — two key chemicals that influence sleep quality. When those levels drop, women can experience disrupted sleep patterns, insomnia, and early waking.
These hormonal shifts also affect the body’s thermoregulation, which is why hot flushes and night sweats are so common. When the body overheats, it’s difficult to enter the deep REM phase of sleep where the most powerful repair and regeneration happen.
The Skin-Sleep Connection
While you sleep, blood flow to the skin increases, collagen production accelerates, and cell turnover peaks. When that process is interrupted, skin loses its vitality and becomes more prone to dehydration and sensitivity. The under-eye area often shows it first, with puffiness and dark circles, followed by uneven texture across the cheeks and jawline.
Chronic sleep deprivation also increases cortisol — the stress hormone that breaks down collagen — and decreases hyaluronic acid production. Over time, this combination can lead to fine lines appearing more prominent and the complexion looking fatigued.
Michelle explains, "You can apply all the skincare in the world, but if your body isn’t restoring overnight, it’s like trying to decorate a house without fixing the foundation first. True beauty starts with rest."
How Poor Sleep Affects Lashes and Eyes
Menopause doesn’t just influence the skin. Hormonal changes can also impact hair growth, including lashes and brows. Thinner lashes, slower regrowth, and increased brittleness are all common complaints. Combine that with sleepless nights, and the eye area can quickly lose its natural definition.
A simple way to restore that framed, lifted look is through magnetic lashes. They’re gentle, reusable, and designed for sensitive eyes, making them ideal for women who find regular glue-on lashes irritating. "For my clients who feel they’ve lost their spark, applying magnetic lashes in the morning gives an instant confidence boost," says Michelle. "It’s like putting your armour back on."
Practical Tips to Improve Sleep and Restore Radiance
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Keep your room cool and dark
Lower temperatures help counteract night sweats. Choose breathable cotton or linen sheets and wear lightweight sleepwear to stay comfortable. -
Create a calming ritual
A consistent bedtime routine helps your body recognise when it’s time to unwind. Try applying your evening skincare slowly and mindfully, sip a calming tea, and read something light instead of scrolling your phone. -
Limit caffeine and alcohol
Both can disrupt hormone balance and fragment sleep cycles. Swap that afternoon coffee for herbal tea and aim to finish your glass of wine well before bedtime. -
Invest in supportive products
A silk pillowcase can reduce friction on the skin and lashes. Layer a hydrating night cream or overnight mask to replenish moisture lost through night sweats. -
Be gentle with yourself
Menopause is a transition, not a flaw. There will be nights that feel impossible. Rest when you can, hydrate well, and focus on consistent, small habits that promote calm and recovery.
The Confidence Connection
When you start to sleep better, the difference shows — not just in your skin, but in your energy and self-esteem. As Michelle notes, "I see women come alive again when they start feeling rested. Their makeup looks fresher, their lashes sit perfectly, and their glow returns naturally. It’s not vanity; it’s vitality."
Final Thoughts
Menopause is not the end of feeling beautiful; it’s the beginning of redefining it. Sleep may be harder to come by, but it is still your body’s most powerful beauty treatment. By supporting your hormones, prioritising rest, and embracing beauty rituals that make you feel cared for, you can restore balance from the inside out.
"Beauty sleep isn’t a myth," says Michelle. "It’s one of the most transformative beauty tools we have - especially for women in midlife."