Beauty sleep is real? Is there scientific evidence to support the idea that getting enough sleep can improve our physical appearance? The answer is yes, and in this article, we’ll explore the many ways that beauty sleep can benefit our skin, hair, and overall health.
The Science of Sleep
Our bodies go through different stages of sleep each night, including light sleep, deep sleep, and REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. During deep sleep, our bodies release growth hormone, which helps to repair and regenerate tissues. This is why deep sleep is essential for overall health and well-being.
REM sleep is when we dream, and it’s also when our bodies release the hormone melatonin, which regulates our sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin is also a powerful antioxidant that can help to protect our skin from the damaging effects of free radicals.
Skin Benefits of Beauty Sleep
When we don’t get enough sleep, our skin can suffer. Lack of sleep can cause our skin to look dull and lifeless and can lead to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines.
One of the most obvious benefits of beauty sleep is that it can help to improve our skin’s appearance. When we get enough deep sleep, our bodies release growth hormone, which helps to repair and regenerate skin cells. This can lead to a more youthful, radiant complexion.
REM sleep is also important for our skin. During this stage of sleep, our bodies release the hormone melatonin, which is a powerful antioxidant that can help to protect our skin from the damaging effects of free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that can cause damage to our cells, leading to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines.
Sleep also helps to regulate our skin’s natural oil production, which can help to keep our skin moisturized and prevent acne. When we don’t get enough sleep, our skin may produce too much oil, which can lead to clogged pores and acne.
Hair Benefits of Beauty Sleep
Just like our skin, our hair can also benefit from a beauty sleep. During deep sleep, our bodies release growth hormone, which helps to repair and regenerate hair cells. This can lead to healthier, stronger hair.
REM sleep is also important for our hair. During this stage of sleep, our bodies release melatonin, which is a powerful antioxidant that can help to protect our hair from the damaging effects of free radicals.
Lack of sleep can also cause hair loss. When we’re sleep-deprived, our bodies produce more of the stress hormone cortisol, which can lead to hair loss.
Overall Health Benefits of Beauty Sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. Lack of sleep can lead to a host of health problems, including:
- Increased risk of obesity
- Increased risk of type 2 diabetes
- Increased risk of heart disease
- Increased risk of depression and anxiety
When we get enough sleep, our bodies are able to repair and regenerate cells, which can lead to better overall health.
How Many Hours of Sleep Do You Need?
The amount of sleep needed varies for each individual, however, the National Sleep Foundation recommends the following guidelines for different age groups:
- Adults (26-64 years): 7-9 hours
- Older adults (65+ years): 7-8 hours
- Young adults (18-25 years): 7-9 hours
- Teens (14-17 years): 8-10 hours
- School-aged children (6-13 years): 9-11 hours
- Preschoolers (3-5 years): 10-13 hours
- Toddlers (1-2 years): 11-14 hours
- Infants (4-11 months): 12-15 hours
- Newborns (0-3 months): 14-17 hours
It’s worth noting that these are general guidelines and some people may require more or less sleep depending on various factors such as their lifestyle, occupation, and overall health. Additionally, the quality of sleep also matters, not just the quantity. A good night’s sleep should leave you feeling refreshed and energized in the morning.
If you’re frequently feeling tired or groggy during the day, you may need to reevaluate your sleep habits and consider talking to a healthcare professional.
Tips for Getting Better Beauty Sleep
- Stick to a regular sleep schedule. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
- Make sure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet.
- Avoid screens (TV, phone, computer) for at least an hour before bed.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime.
- Try to relax before bed. Read a book, take a bath, or listen to soothing music.
The Best Room Temperature
The best room temperature for sleep is generally considered to be between 60-67 degrees Fahrenheit (15-19 degrees Celsius). This cool temperature can help the body to relax and fall asleep more easily, as well as promote deeper sleep throughout the night. A room that is too warm or too cold can make it difficult to fall asleep and can disrupt sleep throughout the night.
The National Sleep Foundation recommends setting the thermostat to 60-67°F (15-19°C) for optimal sleep.
It’s worth noting that everyone’s temperature preferences are different, so it’s important to find the temperature that feels most comfortable to you. Additionally, if you have medical conditions such as asthma or allergies, it’s important to maintain a cool and comfortable temperature to avoid any triggers.
It’s also important to consider room ventilation and air quality to avoid stuffiness and dryness. Open windows or use a humidifier to maintain a comfortable humidity level.
Bed Linens that Ensure a Good Night’s Sleep
There are several things to consider when choosing bed linens to ensure a good night’s sleep, including:
- Thread count: The thread count of a sheet refers to the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric. Generally, sheets with a higher thread count are considered to be of better quality and more comfortable. A thread count of at least 300 is considered to be good quality.
- Fabric: Cotton sheets are considered to be the most comfortable and breathable option. They are soft, durable, and easy to care for. Other options include linen, silk, and bamboo.
- Weave: The weave of a sheet can affect its feel and durability. Percale sheets have a tight, matte weave that is cool and crisp to the touch. Sateen sheets have a tighter weave on one side and a softer, silkier feel on the other.
- Temperature: The temperature of your room and your preference for a warm or cool bed will play a role in your sheet choice. For a cool bed, consider sheets made of linen, bamboo, or percale. For a warm bed, consider flannel, fleece, or microfiber sheets.
- Size: Make sure to choose sheets that fit your mattress properly, especially for adjustable beds.
High-thread count cotton sheets with a comfortable weave and proper size for your bed can provide a good night’s sleep while considering the temperature.
What Are Some Sleep Aids?
There are several different types of sleep aids that can be used to help individuals get a better night’s sleep. Some common sleep aids include:
- Medications: There are some over-the-counter medications such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) that can be used to help individuals fall asleep. Some prescription medications are also used to treat insomnia.
- Melatonin supplements: Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin supplements can be used to help individuals fall asleep and stay asleep.
- Herbal supplements: Some herbal supplements such as valerian root, passionflower, and chamomile have been used for centuries to promote sleep. They can be taken as a tea, capsule, extract, or tincture.
- Relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, and meditation can help to reduce stress and promote sleep.
- Behavioral therapies: Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a type of therapy that can help individuals change the thoughts and behaviors that are preventing them from getting a good night’s sleep.
It’s important to note that sleep aids should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional, as some of them may have side effects, interact with other medications, and can be addictive.
To Wrap Up
Beauty sleep is real, and it’s essential for maintaining a healthy and youthful appearance. When we get enough sleep, our bodies release growth hormones and melatonin, which help to repair and regenerate skin and hair cells and protect them from damage.
Additionally, getting enough sleep can also improve our overall health and well-being by reducing the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, depression, and anxiety.
By following good sleep hygiene practices such as sticking to a regular schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding screens, caffeine, and alcohol before bed, we can ensure that we get the beauty sleep we need to look and feel our best.
Also Read: Guide to Finding the Best Women’s Wellness Tips & 10 Best Drugstore Foundation Options with Good-For-Your-Skin Ingredients
