Feeling exhausted? Do you have dark circles developing under your eyes? You're not alone - studies show that a majority of people, especially women, don’t get the recommended full night sleep of 7-9 hours per night.
Whether it's due to long work hours, parenting, or just staying up to scroll through social media, sleep deprivation can cause more harm than you think.
Don’t underestimate the importance of getting enough Zzzs; your beauty and wellness depend greatly on having a healthy sleep cycle. Read on to discover why a good night’s rest is essential for looking and feeling your best!
Why Is Sleeping “Enough” Important?
Getting a good night's rest is essential to help your body reset for the next day. Even a beauty nap here and there can help rejuvenate your body for a stronger, healthier you. Some of the key benefits of a full night sleep include:
Better Hair
When it comes to healthy hair, sleep is just as essential as a good hair care routine. During sleep, our bodies produce growth hormones that work to repair and regenerate our hair, allowing it to grow longer and stronger. By getting enough sleep, you can ensure that your body has the time and resources it needs to support healthy hair growth.
On the flip side, if you're not getting in your beauty sleep, you may be hindering your hair's ability to thrive. Inadequate sleep can lead to a dry, itchy scalp, which can contribute to hair breakage and damage over time.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety
Let's face it, it can be pretty obvious to tell who has sleep deprivation and who gets a full night sleep. When you don't get enough sleep, you can quickly become overwhelmed and agitated, leading to increased stress and anxiety levels. And who wants to feel like a hot mess, right?
That's why prioritizing a good night's sleep is crucial for maintaining a positive outlook and a healthy mind-body balance. When you get enough sleep, not only does your overall well-being improve, but you also wake up feeling refreshed and ready to conquer the day.
Improved Immune System
Getting a good night's sleep isn't just about feeling rested and energized. It also plays a crucial role in supporting your immune system. When you sleep, your body produces cytokines, which are essential proteins that help to regulate your immune response and fight off infections and inflammation.
Without enough sleep, your body may not produce enough cytokines, leaving you more vulnerable to illness and infection. Sleep is a simple but powerful way to support your overall well-being and maintain a strong immune system.
Boosted Metabolism
If you're trying to maintain a healthy weight, getting enough sleep is a game-changer. When we don't get enough shut-eye, our bodies produce more of the hormone ghrelin, which is like a hunger alarm clock, telling us to eat more.
At the same time, your levels of leptin, the hormone that suppresses appetite, decrease. This hormonal imbalance can lead to overeating, weight gain, and other metabolic issues.
Healthier Skin
While getting your beauty sleep, your skin is hard at work repairing and rejuvenating itself. During this time, blood flow to your skin increases, which helps to boost collagen production.
And collagen is the key to keeping your skin looking young and vibrant! It's a protein that gives your skin structure, making it firm and elastic.
But if you have sleep deprivation, your skin might suffer. Think dark circles, puffiness, and dullness. Plus, you're more likely to develop wrinkles and fine lines.
Nighttime Skin Routine
Along with a healthy sleep cycle, a night-time skin routine is a must to achieve healthy and beautiful skin. Wake up to healthier, radiant skin by incorporating these steps into your night-time routine.
Step 1: Cleanse
If there is one thing you should absolutely never do, it’s going to bed without washing your face. Cleansing is absolutely necessary, helping to remove dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin. Use a gentle cleanser like our Down To Earth Gel Cleanser and massage it into your skin for at least 60 seconds before rinsing with lukewarm water.
Step 2: Tone
The next step is to apply toner to your skin such as our Coast Is Clear Face Toner. Toner helps to balance your skin's pH levels, removing any impurities left after cleansing. It also helps to hydrate and soothe your skin, making it more receptive to the other products you apply. Apply toner to a cotton pad and gently sweep it over your face and neck.
Step 3: Serum
Use a serum that targets your specific skin concerns, such as dark spots, fine lines, or dryness. A serum like our Seeking C Face Serum can help to reduce skin inflammation, and irregular pigmentation, promoting collagen production, and preventing breakouts. Apply a small amount of serum to your fingertips and gently massage it into your skin, focusing on any areas of concern.
Step 4: Eye Cream
The skin around our eyes is delicate and prone to wrinkles and fine lines, so it's essential to use an eye cream like our All In Eye Cream in your night-time routine. Apply a small amount of eye cream to your fingertips and gently tap it around your eye area, taking care not to pull or stretch your skin.
Step 5: Moisturize
The final step to lock in hydration is to moisturize your skin with the best natural moisturizer like our Night Shift Hydration Gel. This peptide-rich gel moisturizer helps to hydrate your skin, preventing dryness while stimulating collagen production to erase fine lines. Apply a small amount of moisturizer to your face and neck, using gentle, upward strokes.
Bonus Step: Use a Sleeping Mask
If you have extra time and want to give your skin an extra boost, you can use a sleeping mask in place of or in addition to your regular moisturizer. A sleeping mask is a hydrating treatment that you leave on your skin overnight, allowing it to absorb all the beneficial ingredients. Apply a thin layer of sleeping mask to your face and neck, and let it work its magic while you sleep.
Tips for Improving Sleep Quality
Now that you know just how important sleep is for beauty and wellness, it's time to take action and start improving your sleep quality. Here are some simple yet effective tips to help you catch those Z's like a pro for a good night’s rest!
Stick to a Regular Sleep Schedule
This means going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends. By doing so, you can help regulate your body's internal clock and train your brain to know when it's time to hit the hay.
Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine
Create a relaxing bedtime routine that works for you. This might include taking a warm bath, practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation, or reading a book. Whatever helps you wind down and destress after a long day, make it a part of your nightly routine.
Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment
Think comfy pillows and soft comforters that’ll make you want to stay in bed all day. Make sure your bedroom is soothing and relaxing with cool temperatures, dark lighting, and depending on your preference, a white noise machine might help, too.
Avoid Stimulants Before Bedtime
Unless you’re working the graveyard shift, avoid stimulants like caffeine and nicotine before bedtime. These substances can make it harder for you to fall asleep and stay asleep, so it's best to steer clear of them after dinnertime.
Limit Screen Time Before Bedtime
Lastly, as hard as it is, limit your screen time at least an hour before bedtime. The blue light emitted by electronic devices such as your phone can interfere with your body's production of melatonin, a hormone that helps to regulate your sleep-wake cycle.
The Bottom Line: Make Sleep a Priority
Don't underestimate the importance of a healthy sleep cycle for beauty and wellness. It's not just about getting enough rest, but it's about taking care of your overall well-being. By prioritizing a good night’s rest (with some beauty naps sprinkled in) and following the tips mentioned, your body and mind will thank you with a happier, healthier, and more confident you.