The Truth Behind "Beauty Sleep"

The concept of "getting your beauty sleep" can seem both like a myth and something that is easier said and done. Like most old adages, there is more than a grain of truth in the real, measurable benefits of getting enough (and the right amount of sleep) for your health, well-being, and, yes, your appearance. Most experts agree that the average adult thrives with anywhere from 6 to 9 hours of sleep per night, and either too little or too much can leave you feeling sluggish and your body not functioning optimally.

But what does sleep actually do for us in terms of how we look? The answer --essentially everything.

Clearer, Radiant Skin: In an article I posted about product-free ways to reduce acne, I wrote sleep is instrumental for regulating hormones and that, when hormones are in balance, the likelihood of acne can decrease. But even if you are not someone who regularly struggles with acne, more balanced and controlled hormone fluctuations still greatly impact our skin in ensuring more even tone and proper moisture balance. Also, when we sleep our blood flow increases, promoting not only skin healing and renewal but also a healthy glow. Every notice how gray and dull your skin looks when you are reeeally tired. It's likely because your skin isn't getting that extra nightly boost of regeneratiing blood it needs to make the skin look bright, taut, and fresh. Also, as we age, our skin becomes also more prone to water loss, and skin also becomes less able to retain water when we do not get enough sleep, making the skin more likely to show deeper fine lines.

Healthier Hair: A lesser talked-about aspect of beauty sleep is how good it can be for our hair. Much like the circulation boost our skin gets from a night's rest, so does our scalp. This helps kickstart the process of healthy hair growth and also helps ensure that the hair will start out thicker and stronger at the root. Another thing to note about sleep and hair health is that a lack of sleep puts the body under stress both physically and mentally and emotionally. A common side effect of stress is hair thinning and hair loss from the root. So to protect our hair and keep it growing luscious and long, a bit of R and R is always a good idea!

Better Performing Products: Often, the products we apply at night are aimed at strengthening and rejuvenating and repairing the skin. Whether it is a deeply moisturizing night cream or a pimple-blaster, or a wrinkle-fighting retinol, all of these products are designed to activate and work with body's own natural cell turnover and other healing systems, and the time and process for these processes to occur is when we sleep. Making sure you get an uninterrupted night of sleep (at least most nights) will maximize the effect of all the skincare you use, hastening and doubling on their powerful results.

It seems like such a simple thing, but a good night's sleep is undeniably a gamechanger to how we look and feel and is something we all need. As someone who struggles with mild insomnia and who often works at night, I understand that getting restful and consistent sleep can certainly be a luxury, but I have found even just making some simple changes like turning my phone off when I go to bed (or leaving it in a different room) , using aromatherapy products with chamomile, sandalwood, or lavender before I go to bed, or trying to give myself a bedtime most nights really helps to improve my sleep patterns. And with every change we attempt to make, every little bit helps. Wishing everyone sweet and beautiful dreams tonight.