5 Ways to Actually Improve Your Beauty Sleep
Sleep is the unsung hero of beauty — and our overall health. There's a reason why people talk about beauty sleep, but exactly what is beauty sleep? Rest recharges our minds and has physical benefits. Sleep is when the body repairs itself, and this applies, of course, to the skin. When we sleep, blood flow increases in the skin, and the skin is restored and reenergized. While nourishing skin care can do wonders for the skin, getting proper shuteye goes a long way.
Tips For Improving Sleep Quality
The need for beauty rest is often easier said than done. Here are our favorite beauty sleep tips to help you hit the hay without a hitch.
1. Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule
Incorporating a sleep schedule into your routine will get you into the habit of prioritizing beauty rest. Set aside seven to nine hours of your day solely dedicated to sleeping — this should include weekends, too. If you can, sleep at the same time every day to get used to a consistent schedule.
2. Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine
If you have trouble falling asleep in the first place, consider implementing a beauty sleep routine to let your body know it’s bedtime. Before you get shuteye, it could be helpful to unwind from the day with a shower or a bath. Cleanse your body with Desert Essence Bulgarian Lavender Body Wash or Desert Essence Lavender Soap Bar — in these formulas, Bulgarian lavender calms the senses with its deep, herbaceous notes. In fact, lavender is known to help promote sleep and relaxation.
After washing your body, nourish your skin with plant-powered moisturizers and oils. You can layer soothing Desert Essence Bulgarian Lavender Hand & Body Lotion underneath hydrating Desert Essence Jojoba, Coconut & Chamomile Body Oil Spray for a full body glow. The chamomile in the latter is also a calming herb that helps nurture sensitive skin.
After the body care part of your routine, enjoy a relaxing activity such as meditating, journaling, or reading.
3. Make the Bedroom a Comfortable and Conducive Sleep Environment
Your sleep environment makes a big difference in your sleep quality. Help your body get the rejuvenating sleep it deserves by starting with a comfortable bed. Make sure your bed sheets are soft, cool and breathable, and your mattress and pillows support your body. Keep your room dark by hitting off the lights, and, if necessary, invest in blackout curtains. To help promote relaxation, rub aromatherapy oils onto your wrist with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil or add a few drops into your diffuser. Our favorites for sleep include Desert Essence Organic Lavender Tea Tree Oil and Desert Essence Dream Weaver Organic Essential Oil.
4. Limit Screen Time Before Bed
The light that emits from our electronic devices, including our phones and televisions, can make it difficult to fall asleep. And, of course, actively using your devices can also distract you and keep you awake. As a rule of thumb, turn off your devices one to two hours before bedtime. Instead of gravitating towards a screen, try reading before bed.
5. Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol Before Bedtime
Part of your sleep hygiene checklist should be to avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime. Found in coffee, tea, soda and chocolate, caffeine is a stimulant that can make you feel less sleepy. Alcohol, on the other hand, can make you sleepy at first, but it can disrupt your sleep quality. When alcohol metabolizes, its sedative properties wear off, which could mean that you won't be able to sleep very deeply or for very long. Generally, it’s a good idea to skip caffeine and alcohol about four hours before bedtime.
Sleep is a crucial aspect of maintaining both our overall health and our beauty. When we sleep, our body is able to repair itself and increase blood flow to the skin, restore and reenergize. Incorporating a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, making the bedroom a comfortable and conducive sleep environment, limiting screen time before bed, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime are all effective ways to improve the quality of our beauty sleep. By prioritizing and implementing these tips, we can nourish our skin, recharge our minds and achieve a full body glow. To get your much-deserved beauty rest, check out plant-powered Desert Essence personal care that'll help you unwind and relax.