The Naked Blog:  SLEEP

“I need my beauty sleep!”

How often have you heard the above statement or said it yourself, after a busy day or a weekend of fun and frolics?

Believe it or not, there is an underlying truth to this. So, the next time you want to go to bed early, use me as your excuse!

A good night’s sleep is something to be cherished; you wake up feeling refreshed and looking forward to the day ahead. Getting the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep per night is vital for your overall health. More and more studies are proving the importance of a good shut-eye routine and how this in turn helps not just your overall health but your skin health as well.

Did you know it takes 4 hours deep, restful sleep to make up for just 1 hour lost?

Sleep boosts your immune system, among other things. That means that people who get the recommended sleep time are more likely to stay healthy. Sleep deprivation is no joke, and I’m not saying I can help everyone who’s reading this article, but here’s a few hints, tips and ideas on how to get a perfect night’s sleep. 

1. Stick to a sleep schedule. I believe eight hours should be enough, but listen to your body if it needs more.
2. Make sure your bedroom is a restful environment. It should be a dark room, not too hot or too cold and most importantly, quiet. If you have noisy neighbours, invest in some high quality ear plugs.
3. Be careful of what you eat and drink before retiring. Never go to bed hungry or after a large meal.
4. Do not check your social media accounts, emails etc. All electronic devices should be turned off at least one hour before you start your beauty sleep.
5. Talk with a doctor if you continue to have trouble sleeping.

So what happens to your skin when you are sleeping?

When you are tucked up, under the eiderdown, your skin becomes warmer and slightly acidic. It switches into recovery mode and starts to regenerate and repair itself. This regeneration process can be up to 3x faster than during the day, and that allows beauty products to work more efficiently. This is why it’s so important to have a night-time skincare routine! Studies agree that during sleep our facial skin regenerates faster, and that the production of collagen peaks.

When we sleep, the unconscious state of mind takes over, our body then activates a series of vital functions to keep us alive. Hydration, yet again, is key here. I can not stress enough the need for a glass of water before you retire to bed (and again upon waking).

You cannot bottle what sleep and water does for you!

Bed-time Routine.

A cute, beautiful baby is cuddled, washed, dressed and read a story or sang a lullaby before they fall asleep. You know where I’m heading…

Prepare yourself for sleep. It’s so important to wind down. Hence the reason for a bath, luxury pajamas and your nighttime skin routine, followed by the way you like to relax. As I said in an earlier blog, I love a glass of red wine and Netflix. “Yes I know, it’s not perfect, but it suits me so I’m sticking with it!”

It’s so important to relax; just please stay away from your mobile device or computer.

When I was young I was taught a very valuable lesson that I would like to share with you, “Always spend money on good shoes and a good mattress, because if you’re not standing up, you’re lying down!” 

So, recharge, re-energise and detoxify those skin cells for better skin health during a sleep-filled 8 hours. 

Until next time, sweet dreams!

Lisa

Remember to contact me if you have any skin issues you would like help with. I’m available to answer any questions at:  lisa@nakedactives.com