Beauty Sleep Is A Real Thing, Get Yours

Yes, beauty sleep is a real thing! A study by researchers at Stockholm University, published in the Royal Society Open Science journal, revealed that people who do not get enough slumber, appear less attractive to others. The study involved 25 volunteers who agreed to be photographed after having had two consecutive nights of good sleep, and then again after having had only four hours sleep for two nights in a row. Members of the public were then invited to look at the photographs, giving each person pictured a rating for various categories including attractiveness.

Needless to say, the number one priority in any good beauty regime is to get a good night sleep. Here’s how you can ensure you can get the beauty sleep you need!

1. Adopt A Beauty Routine Before Bedtime

How many times have you fallen into bed exhausted, only to open one eye an hour or two later, and remember you have not brushed your teeth or your skincare routine? You then spend the next hour deliberating on whether or not to leave the comfort of your warm bed or survive your grooming faux-pas until the morning. Neglect can only lead to the likes of rotten teeth and bad skin. Do yourself a favour and instil a nighttime beauty regime before you go to bed.

2. Avoid Late Night Snacks

Indulging in late night snacks will not allow your body the proper amount of time required for digestion before lying down to sleep. This can lead to heartburn or acid reflux. Eat early in the evening which will not only burn off more calories, it will keep you healthier also.

3. Workout In The Day Or Early Evening

Keeping fit is important. However, if your exercise regime is scheduled in the mid to late evening, it may prevent you from have a good night’s sleep. After a strenuous workout, adrenaline pumps through your veins which can keep you awake. You may find yourself restless in bed until the rush wears off which can be tiring. Ideally you should exercise earlier in the day so your adrenaline has the proper amount of time to work its way through your body and allow you to relax.

4. Make A To Do List Of The Next Day’s Tasks

Going to bed thinking of all the tasks that need to be done in the morning, the phone calls you need to make and the errands you have to run throughout the day can make for restless sleep. Make a to do list, the night before, and organise both your personal and professional life so that you do not have any worries as you attempt to have your sleep. Better still, keep a pen and paper by your bed. If you wake up in the middle of the night and have a great idea, dream or anything important that you want to remember, write it down and fall right back asleep.

5. Establish A Regular Routine

Establish a routine and try to follow it everyday. After a few days, the regularity will make your mind settle in to a pattern. When you reach the end of the routine, your body will know that it is time to for a good night sleep.

6. Limit Your Evening Drinks

Avoid having a lot to drink before bedtime, even if it is only water. It will fill your bladder up in a few hours which will only mean that you are going to have to make a bathroom trip during the night. If you are thirsty, sip in small quantities. Either way, remember to go to the bathroom last thing before bedtime, so you will not have the urge in the middle of night.

7. Hold On The Caffeine

A post dinner coffee for a quick energy boost is quite the norm but by the time the pick-me-up takes effect, it will be close to bedtime. Caffeine will not only keep your body awake, but your mind too. Skip the caffeine until breakfast.

8. No Bedtime Smoking

The nicotine in cigarettes and tobacco products are addictive and a quick puff before bedtime can make the body experience withdrawal symptoms that will interrupt your sleep. If you need to have a smoke, do so an hour before you are planning to go to bed to give your system time to process the nicotine and withdrawal without disturbing your sleep.

9. Set an Alarm Clock

Got an important appointment in the morning? Set an alarm clock for the appropriate time so you not have to worry throughout the night if you will wake up at the right time or not.

10. Chill Out Before You Sleep

If you have a problem or an argument right before bedtime, try to work it out before going to bed. Maybe you are simply feeling stressed out at the end of a busy day. Try some relaxation exercises to calm yourself down. Deep breathing, focusing on one object and relaxing the muscles in your body will help you unwind at night and fall asleep quickly, too.

11. Read A Book At Bedtime

Switch off your computer, phone and iPad and get your distraction with a good book where you can read a few pages or chapters each night before bed. The quiet time relaxes your body and focuses your mind rather than seeing who’s doing what on Facebook. Your body will fall asleep faster in a relaxed state and remain that way all night.

12. Have A Bed Makeover

Invest in good quality bed linen. Sheets are categorised by thread count. The higher the thread count, the softer and more luxurious are the sheets. Fluffy blankets can also help you get a good night’s sleep. Not only is it soft against the skin, its open weave allows for breathing, releasing hot air so you will not overheat. There are many different factors to consider when purchasing a mattress from the level of firmness to those that are adjustable. If you have to, lay on each bed in the store, see what feels the best. Finally, invest in a pillow that suits you, whether it is lumpy, firm or soft.

13. Keep It Dark

Keeping the room dark will help you get a better sleep. Turn off all of the lights, shut down any electronic devices that flash lights and crawl under the covers. Do not forget to close the curtains or blinds all of the way so those early morning rays do not peek in.

Main Photo: Olly