It is important to speak about sleep after the holidays. After all, with the holidays, the parties, and family obligations and the last minute efforts to wrap gifts and prepare casseroles, who has eight hours of sleep each day?
Sleep has definitely affected me in a positive way this holiday season. Maybe I’m older, maybe I just put in more effort to take care of myself. My brain works at a snail’s pace when I don’t get enough sleep, which is what I am experiencing right now. I can no longer resist junk food and my skin appears like it did in my teens.
When I see my appearance deteriorating, I know that it’s time to act. Here are a few things to think about:
Our bodies can only fully restore themselves when they are rested at night. If we don’t sleep enough, our brain will send distress signals. This can eventually lead to acne breakouts and dark circles under the eyes.
The most important thing you can do before hitting the bed is to wash your face. If you wear makeup to bed, oxygen cannot reach your skin. Even if you sleep for a whole night, your skin will suffer.
Sleep is a time to relax and recover from the harmful effects of UV rays, pollution and other things that your skin encounters during the day. As we lie down and close the eyes, the body begins building the necessary proteins to repair the damage done during the day. It is important to sleep for 8 hours straight. Try these DIY skin treatments to enhance the glow your skin will get after a good night’s sleep.
The best thing I’ve found to do to improve my sleep is to go back to basics. Drinking more water is the single most important thing that you can do to improve your sleep. Your body will send distress signals to your brain when you are dehydrated. This makes you feel more anxious and less likely for a peaceful sleep.
Every morning, I only drink one cup of coffee and then water. It is important to stay hydrated because dehydration affects sleep, and can cause hair to dry out.
Drinking water helps our body get into a sleep-promoting rhythm. But a healthy diet also plays a role. Healthy foods are good for your hair, so eat plenty of them! It is important to eat foods like salmon, low fat dairy and leafy greens. Avoid caffeine and sugary foods and drinks. If you simply can’t resist the temptation, then limit your consumption earlier in the day.
Have you developed a beauty routine that you follow each night to help you relax and fall asleep? Share your tips!