Do you ever wake up and look in the mirror and think, "Ugh, I look exhausted!"? You're not alone. According to a recent study, nearly 50% of women say they have dark circles under their eyes.

While there are a number of factors that can contribute to dark circles (including genetics, allergies, and lack of sleep), there are also a few things you can do to help reduce the appearance of them.

Here are 5 tips to help reduce the appearance of dark circles under your eyes:

1. Get plenty of sleep.

This one seems like a no-brainer, but it bears repeating. Getting seven to eight hours of sleep each night is crucial for reducing dark circles and bags under the eye. If you have trouble falling asleep, try establish a bed-time routine that includes winding down for 30 minutes before turning off the lights.

It can be tempting to rub or even massage your tired eyes, but this can actually make dark circles worse by causing the blood vessels under the skin to break and leak blood. If you must touch your eyes, be gentle and use cool compresses instead.

Too much sodium can cause fluid retention, which leads to puffiness around the eyes. If you're struggling with dark circles, cut back on foods that are high in sodium such as processed meats, fast food, and chips.

Don't let the term "acid" stop you -- not all acids are harmful or even overly irritating. Glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane. When applied to the skin, glycolic acid creates a chemical reaction that loosens dead cells on your outermost layer of fleshy tissue- thus making it easier for new ones grow back more vibrant and hydrated than ever before! This means smoother looking eyelids which reflects light better causing you eyes appear brighter without any tiredness at all. So, make sure your routine includes a cream that contains glycolic acid, like Wink Super Youth Eye Cream.

Used tea bags are a inexpensive and easy way to reduce swelling and darkness around the eye area. Simply steep two tea bags in hot water for 3-5 minutes, then remove and place in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before applying to clean skin for 10-15 minutes. For an extra cooling effect, try storing the tea bags in the freezer prior to use.

There's no need to suffer from dark circles under your eyes indefinitely; with these five tips, you can start seeing results in no time! So next time you find yourself bleary-eyed and looking for a quick fix, remember that adding glycolic acid to your routine (and some cold tea bags) can go a long way toward achieving brighter eyes and a more rested appearance.