"Did you get your beauty sleep?" That and a million other variations are what we're greeted with the moment a faint inkling of dark shadows begins to show up under our eyes.  Is there really a connection between sleep and beauty? Does the phrase "beauty sleep" actually hold weight? Let's find out.

 

Can Beauty Sleep Really Make You More Attractive?

As it turns out, yes! Getting plenty of restful sleep will not only make you feel energised and ready to take on the day, but also make you look and feel your absolute best.

When we sleep, our body's repair process takes full effect. It does that by encouraging the production of collagen and insulin to give you smoother, plumper, and more even-toned younger-looking skin, thereby slowing down signs of ageing.

 

 

Adequate sleep also helps decrease your cortisol levels which can promote healthier, fuller, and shinier hair. To put it simply, getting a good night's sleep reinvigorates your body from the inside out. And when you're happy with your appearance, it boosts your overall mood, confidence, and self-esteem.

 

How Much Sleep Do We Need?

How much sleep you need depends on how old you are.

Adults between 18 and 64 years of age require 7-9 hours of sleep a night to function optimally and give their body and skin the best chance to recharge and reinvigorate.

This requirement changes as we age, which is why those over 65 thrive with a lesser amount of sleep and function quite well with 7-8 hours of sleep, sometimes even less.

 

 

 

What Happens When You Get Too Much or Too Little Sleep

Not all sleep is created equal, and not every night of sleep can work as "beauty sleep."

When you stop getting enough sleep, your immune system takes a hit as it can no longer repair or heal damaged cells. This puts you at risk for developing various health concerns as well as skin conditions.

 

 

Here are some downfalls of lack of sleep:

• Makes cues of fatigue, such as wrinkles and swollen and red eyes, more visible on your skin.

• Leaves you with high levels of ghrelin, the hunger hormone associated with promoting fat storage.

• Changes the level of serotonin in your body, which can make you feel depressed.

• Getting too much sleep also has downsides, such as:

• Cognitive impairment

• Depression

• Impaired fertility

• Increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and stroke

 

 

Tips To Get Good Sleep and Look Your Best

Getting good sleep, especially when you're constantly racing against time to maintain a healthy work-life balance, can be difficult.

So, grab your satin pillowcase and head to bed with these helpful tips:

• Stick to a sleep schedule and practice consistency.

• Do something relaxing before bedtime, such as reading a book or listening to soothing music.

• Wash your face before going to bed and incorporate an effective nighttime skin-care regimen into your everyday routine. The effectiveness of the products is enhanced when your body's repair processes work alongside it.

• Avoid eating heavy meals before bedtime as it can mess with your digestion process and cause heartburn. You should also avoid consuming caffeine or alcohol before bedtime.

• Limit daytime naps, as they mess with your body's sleep-wake cycle.

• Incorporate stress management practices like meditation or mindfulness to do away with the daily life stressors that can keep you awake at night.

 

 

Wrapping Up

Beauty sleep is not a myth or a fragment of our imagination. It really does influence what you see in the mirror. So, make sure you're following a healthy sleep routine to avail of its many benefits.

If you've practised due diligence and still see no change in your sleep routine, it would be wise to see a doctor to rule out potential health concerns. Finding out the root cause can help you get the sleep quality you deserve.