4 Tips to Maximize Your Beauty Sleep

We’ve all used the excuse of “needing our beauty sleep” to head to bed earlier. But, there’s actually more truth to that statement than most people realize. Getting enough sleep is important for your skin health. Not getting enough can cause paler skin, drooping eyelids, and more wrinkles and fine lines. 

Beauty sleep does more than just keep you looking your best. It can improve your energy levels, help with weight management, and have healing properties. Rest is best for rejuvenation and renewal. 

But, getting enough sleep can be easier said than done. It’s estimated that 70% of U.S. adults don’t get the rest they need. Beyond that, there are extra things you could (and should!) be doing to take care of your mind and body before and while you sleep. So, what can you do to maximize your beauty sleep and make sure you’re getting 7-8 hours of real rest every night? 

1. Create a Nighttime Routine

One of the best things you can do to maximize your beauty sleep is to create a routine each night. It’s especially if you have a busy or otherwise-inconsistent schedule. It’s not uncommon to feel stressed and overwhelmed by what you have to do each day, especially if you have a heavy workload or you’re still in school. So much so, that many people in graduate school struggle with sleep issues like: 

• Insomnia
• Narcolepsy
• Restless leg syndrome
• Sleepwalking

Unfortunately, these disorders can cause excessive stress. That can lead to depression and other mental health disorders.

A routine can help you get to sleep at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning. Find what works for you, but make sure to keep it consistent so your mind and body get used to it. The following tips are easily incorporated into nighttime routines.

2. Ditch Your Phone Before Bed

Are you guilty of having your smartphone attached to you 24/7? If so, you’re definitely not alone. But, it’s a good idea to take away some of those hours and limit your usage – especially at night. 

Smartphones and other electronic devices emit something called blue light. Any type of light can make it harder to fall asleep. But, blue light greatly suppresses melatonin – a natural hormone that helps the body sleep soundly. Looking at your phone before bed can also stimulate your brain, making it harder to “wind down”. 

A good rule of thumb is to stop looking at your phone for at least an hour before you plan to go to sleep. This will give your brain time to adjust, and your body will fall into a sleep state more easily. 

3. Use the Right Products

Part of your nighttime routine might include washing your face with your favorite skincare products or using an overnight moisturizer to wake up with a glow. Getting enough sleep, in general, can improve the appearance of your skin. But, you can get a more restful night’s sleep and make sure you look your best with the help of a few products, including things like: 

• An eye mask
• A satin or silk pillow (for side sleepers)
• Blackout curtains – yes, the sun can affect your skin at night!
• Essential oil diffusers

It’s also important to make sure you have the right mattress. Yes, a new mattress is a bigger investment than an eye mask. But, you can still find an affordable one that provides more comfort and support, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. 

Not only can a mattress improve your comfort, but the right one can also prevent pain, reduce your stress levels, and even help with allergies. If you tend to wake up with dry, itchy, puffy eyes, a new mattress can help.

4. Establish a Sleep-Friendly Environment

Having the right products for yourself can be a big help. But, setting up your entire room for sleep success will make an even bigger difference. 

First, your bedroom should only be used for sleep. Make sure you’re watching television, reading, or even working in a different room. When it’s time to go to bed, that makes it easier for your brain to associate the room with rest. 

While the ideal elements for getting a good night’s sleep can be slightly different for everyone, there are some basics that almost always apply, including: 

• Warm colors
• A functional layout
• Reduced clutter
• Cooler temperatures
• Good air quality
• Using a room that blocks out sound or drowning out external sounds with a white noise machine

Getting enough sleep is crucial to look and feel your best. Beauty sleep is more than just a saying to throw around. By making sure you get a good night’s rest and maximize your well-being with a few tips and products, you’ll look great and feel even better every day. There’s nothing more beautiful than looking energized, awake, and happy. Keep these tips in mind to get more quality sleep and boost your natural beauty while you’re at it.