Re: dark circles under eyes

In my research to answer your question I came across a few explanations of why people develop dark circles under their eyes. None of these had to do with lack of sleep. Instead, the reason was also the cause for a lack of sleep or disturbed sleep.

One reason behind "raccoon eyes" is allergies, particularly allergies to wheat. I came across many cited instances of people who had problems of dark circles, and loss of sleep. When these people cut wheat (or other allergy-causing elements) out of their diet, they became much more alert and their eye skin color returned to normal.

Under eye circles have also been attributed to genetically inherited traits. Many families have similar dark circles.

Another reason is that the skin directly under the eyes is just about the thinnest skin you can find on your body. It is extremely sensitive, and rubbing your eyes excessively can make the dark circles worse.

Dehydration can also make the circles more obvious. If you don't drink the suggested number of glasses a day, perhaps you should.

I believe that dark circles under the eyes are not the result of lack of sleep, but rather that the culprit is something that both causes fatigue *and* under eye circles. I hope these probable causes will help you answer this enigma.

 
                                     -Marcy LaViollette