Chronic Dark Circles Under Eyes

[Groovebox]

I was wondering if anyone has ever had this problem, or knows any tips for overcoming it. Ninety percent of the time the area directly underneath my eyes is dark and a little swollen. The part I don't understand is that sometimes it seems to be even worse when I get more sleep (on average I sleep about 6 hours a night). I've talked to my doctor about it before and path ended at a conclusion that I didn't really like. I did a sleep study and didn't really feel comfortable in the environment and didn't feel like I slept real well. Regardless, they told me that I have restless leg syndrome, and my doctor wanted to put me on sleeping pills which can she admitted are addictive.
I guess also I'm looking for more information on the subject. If I were to find a way that helps the quality of my sleep, how soon would I be able to see the benefits and notice the dark rings disappearing? Any advice is very appreciated.

[eblight]

Dark circles under the eyes can be sleep related or due to other causes such as dehydration, genetics, aging, and allergies to pollen, mould and other allergens that disturb the sinus cavities.
I have found restless legs syndrome to be helped with taking a supplement of Magnesium, Zinc and B6.

[Iamsuperman]

Cutting out dairy worked well for me, although the bags are not completely gone there's definately a significant improvement. I also notice it when I splurge and eat a lot of chocolate I will get big bags the next day.

Is there anyone else in your family with dark circles?

[Bodhi]

I'm in this group too. Avoiding grains helps me. Try going raw.

[Barcs]

This usually happens to me when I don't get enough sleep (3 hours or less). Usually I'm fine though.

[SmellyOrc]

Stop applying make-up...

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

The other suggestions about diet and hydration are good. I've also heard that sleeping on your back is helpful due to bloodflow to the area or some such. Can't remember the source though...

[Angela]

Mine went away after a couple of days on PATHS.

[Groovebox]

Originally Posted by {aspiring_to_clarity}

The other suggestions about diet and hydration are good. I've also heard that sleeping on your back is helpful due to bloodflow to the area or some such. Can't remember the source though...

It's interesting that you bring that up, because this is another thing I've been trying to fix. It's very hard for me to not sleep on my side. I can be very comfortable on my back when I first lay down to go to sleep, but after a little bit I become very restless because of a need to shift to one of my sides. I also wonder if I were able to get used to falling asleep on my back, if I would even wake up still on my back since I tend to sleep restlessly most of the time.

[Groovebox]

What is PATHS Angela?

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

I know what you mean, I am most comfortable on my stomach to sleep. Have you tried sleeping on your back with a pillow under you legs (like under the calves so your back is straight)? It makes it a little more comfortable. But I don't know if you would stay in the position all night...

[Angela]

Originally Posted by Groovebox

What is PATHS Angela?

PATHS | Energize Your Mind ~ Transform Your Life

It's online hynosis-meditation thing with programmed suggestions for all kinds of stuff, and it includes a sleep booster suggestion. boy, that's vague, isn't it? I tried it in the spirit of experiment, and I love it. I've had lots of wonderful benefits, including a great night's sleep beginning the very first night, and my dark eye circles completely vanished within two or three days, which may have just been due to my new good sleep. (some of the 'modules' or subjects had no effect on me at all, and some were amazingly effective.)

[Scooter]

Get the facts
Dark Under-Eye Circles - Causes and Cures
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dar...r-eyes/AN00423

[Groovebox]

@aspiring: Yeah in fact I usually do try to sleep with a pillow under my knees. If I don't keep certain limbs in certain positions they will fall asleep. But just as you suspected, no matter what position I fall asleep in that's usually not the way I wake up. I usually wake up on one of my sides, or on my stomach.

@Angela: Thanks for the link I'll have to check that out. I use Holosync for relaxation/meditation, but usually not to induce sleep. If you haven't already checked it out before I suggest you take a look Holosync: Centerpointe Research Institute: The Most Powerful Personal Growth, Meditation and Mind Development Tool on the Planet

@Scooter: Thanks for the links as well. I actually had no clue what the specific causes were which is nice to know.

[Marco Polo]

Well, you could always put cucumbers on your eyes. lol

But if you do that you'll be treating the symptoms instead of the cause, which is bad sleep. To improve you sleep there are many things you could do. Personally I find that exercise during the day is absolutely essential, along with a good morning routine, a good diet and proper breathing techniques.

[CoolStuff]

I have the same problem. It definitely does not have anything to do with sleep. I've gotten 8 hours consistently starting from 10:30 for a few weeks, and though it did help, they were still there and it wasn't much better than before.

I've tried creams blah blah.

I tried the cucumbers a few times, but not for more than a few days in a row. I tried teabags, those were even less effective.

No one I know has them as much as I do, and they can have a long night with little sleep or change sleep schedules drastically without having barely any puffiness or dark circles. Some do, but not too bad.

I just stopped caring, though I do notice them every once in a while.

[DayInTheLife]

I have had them my whole life, and I sleep well. It's the one part of my appearance I don't like.

[CoolStuff]

^ Mine weren't as dark back when I was in grade school. I'm in high school now. I always had em, but they seem darker now. (using photos as a reference). I got worse sleep back then. I would often sleep only 6 hours on weekends.