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Why every girl needs her beauty sleep

Beauty
                        
                                                  Photo: Courtesy

We know the importance of sleep for our health and appearance. But when it comes to getting at least eight hours of quality sleep, this is easier said than done. You could be tempted to watch that late night movie, or read one last chapter in that book.

For many of us, the goal of sleeping at 9 or 10pm may appear elusive. Many sleep at a decent hour but suffer from bouts of insomnia.

It pays to learn how to sleep. Ever wondered why babies and children have such beautiful skin? Research shows skin cell regeneration doubles at night and peaks between 11pm and 4am. Sleep deprivation leads to inflammation and oxidative stress which contributes to aging.

Here are some tips on how to sleep better:

1. Control your exposure to light

To maintain a good sleep-wake cycle, expose yourself to natural light during the day, and complete darkness when you go to sleep. If you work indoors, try to get at least half an hour of sunlight during the day. Let as much natural light into your workspace or home as possible.

At night, avoid bright screens within two hours of your bedtime. Switch off all lights, wifi, and electronics in your bedroom. Rather than using the television to wind down, read a book or listen to an audio recording.

Invest in dark-out curtains to ensure the room is completely dark. If you wake up during the night and need to move around, use a dim light.

2. Maintain a regular sleep schedule

Sleeping and waking up at the same time each day, helps to optimise the quality of your sleep. If you need to make up for a sleep debt, take a nap during the day, rather than sleeping in past your usual wake-up time. Once you’re getting enough sleep, you won’t need an alarm clock to wake you in the morning.

3. Watch what you eat and drink

Caffeine can cause sleep problems therefore try to avoid coffee, chocolate, and tea after lunch. A nightcap may help you fall asleep. However, it interferes with your sleep cycle by waking you up in the middle of the night.

Limit your intake of liquids in the evening to avoid frequent trips to the bathroom. Avoid heavy foods within two hours of sleeping as they may be difficult to digest thereby keeping you awake.

4. Get regular exercise

Studies show that regular exercise increases the amount of time you spend in deep restorative sleep. Try to exercise at least four times a week and finish at least three hours before your bedtime.

5. Wind down and manage your thoughts

Although you may not realise it, residual stress and worry may interfere with sleep by causing you to awaken in the middle of the night. Stress is deadly to the skin, therefore it is important to learn how to manage it in a productive way and to maintain a positive outlook on life.

These tips can help you relax:

• Take a warm bath with magnesium or bath salts

• Listen to relaxing music

• Write out your to do list for the next day

• Sprinkle two drops of lavender essential oil on your pillow

• Have a cup of chamomile tea

When it comes to sleep, it’s not just quantity that matters, but quality. While you sleep, your body makes collagen, the protein that keeps skin strong and elastic.

Your body also rehydrates, giving your skin a healthy glow. Getting enough sleep will also make eye-bags and dark circles less noticeable, and it will calm your skin, resulting in fewer breakouts. When it comes to beauty, sleep is fundamental.

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