Snow White and Sleeping Beauty are considered to be the quintessential belles of the fairy tale world. They have lovely natures, shiny hair, bright eyes, and flawless skin, and in the end, they both find their happily ever afters. Now, we’re not saying you need to be like a fairy tale princess! No one needs to come and save you because you’re strong and empowered…but wouldn’t it be nice to have their skin?
Turns out, those long snoozes that Snowy and Sleepy were taking did wonders for their countenances. “Beauty sleep” isn’t just a fairy tale or a sassy colloquialism. Nope. Beauty sleep is absolutely for real. Getting proper and plentiful slumber time not only helps your mind and body function, but, according to WebMD, it “may be the closest thing there is to a fountain of youth.”
Let’s discuss the benefits of good sleep, what happens if you’re not sleeping well, and how to make sure you’re getting your zzzs! And then, go! Be in the arms of Morpheus, tout de suite!
The Benefits of a Peaceful Slumber
Sleep is the original wonder drug. It is the entire body’s time to heal itself from the traumas of the day. Sleep helps your heart health, blood sugar regulation, and immune system. It helps you maintain weight and balance. It lowers stress levels, improves energy, mood, memory, and executive function. While you sleep, your epidermis, brain, and muscles get to recover and repair. Suffice it to say, a good night’s sleep is necessary to function!
But let’s talk about why we’re really here—what does it do for your skin?
“First and foremost, you should understand that sleep is the time when your body repairs itself,” Healthline asserts. But how does that happen? With an increase in blood flow and collagen production. With proper sleep, you can expect:
Increased blood flow and more collagen give you a healthy glow and plumper skin. Dark circles decrease as will puffiness (if you’re sleeping right! See below). The products you use will work better on your skin. Your entire visage will be improved with the smile of a well-rested soul.
What Happens If Your Snooze Isn’t So Serene?
Unfortunately, if your repose isn’t so tranquil, you risk a long list of consequences. According to Dr. Michael Twery, a sleep expert at the National Institute of Health (NIH):
Sleep affects almost every tissue in our bodies. It affects growth and stress hormones, our immune system, appetite, breathing, blood pressure and cardiovascular health…Research shows that lack of sleep increases the risk for obesity, heart disease and infections. – News In Health
Insufficient sleep affects your brain functioning, productivity, mood, and guess what else? Your delicate face!
Lack of adequate sleep can cause:
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Droopy eyelids
- Puffy eyes
- Darker circles under eyes
- Sallow skin
Without proper sleep, your skin will age faster and won’t recover adequately from exposure to the sun. And the stress that fatigue puts on your body can lead to pimples and blackheads.
How to Ensure a Restful Trip to the Land of Nod
Clearly, the health and beauty benefits of good rest are worth adjusting your habits. Now, how do you ensure that your slumber is restful?
First, get 7–9 hours of sleep each night. According to WebMD, “Only getting 5 hours a night can lead to twice as many fine lines as sleeping 7 would.” Though that should be inspiration enough to get to bed early, the CDC reports that 35.2% of adults in the U.S. still get less than 7 hours of sleep per night. This could be because they’re not following a good pre-sleep routine.
To get the best rest, try these suggestions:
- Get exercise each day for at least 30 minutes
- Practice daily relaxation with meditation or Reiki to relieve stress and racing thoughts
- Avoid caffeine for 8 hours before you doze and alcohol for 3 hours
- Put down the electronics at least an hour before shut-eye, instead, read a book or meditate
- Take a warm bath; the drop in body temperature afterwards can aid slumber
- Be consistent with your bed time and wake time, use melatonin to set your schedule if need be
- Create an environment that is relaxing and clutter-free
- Use a guided sleep visualization to drift off
- Track your sleep with a fitness tracker
And to get the best beauty rest, add these to your regimen:
- Wash your face!
- Drink a little water and a apply a rich moisturizer before bed to stay hydrated throughout the night
- Put shea butter or a healing ointment on your hands and feet
- Sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated to decrease puffiness and avoid lines and creases pressed into the skin
- If you can’t sleep on your back, use a silk, satin, or copper-oxide pillowcase to minimize “skin irritation and compression”
Close Your Eyes, Say Goodnight…
“Beauty sleep” is one of the simplest and easiest ways to stop the passage of time when it comes to your skin and health. Make is a priority and reap the benefits of this fairy tale “fountain of youth.” Off to bed with you!
How Can Advanced Skin + Body Aesthetics Help?
We care about your health and well-being and have plenty of ways to help you live your best life. If you need to schedule a facial or Reiki session at our Lincoln, NE spa, contact us today!
Or sign up for our Facial or Relaxation Membership! You’ll get one signature facial and two Reiki sessions with our Reiki master per month to help relieve stress and bring you peace.
Our goal is to support our clients to look and feel their best! If you have been thinking about another transformative treatment, schedule a consultation today! And for more info on all things beauty, health, and aesthetics in Lincoln, NE, and beyond, be sure to read our blog.