Sleep for Super Skin: Unlock Your Inner Glow
Ever wonder why some people just seem to have radiant skin, even without makeup? The secret weapon might surprise you: sleep!
March 10 - 16 is National Sleep Awareness Week, a great reminder that catching enough sleep is important for your whole body, including your skin. Think of sleep as a built-in night of pampering for your face, without the need for fancy masks or treatments.
Here's the science behind it: While you sleep, your body goes into repair mode. This includes creating fresh skin cells. But if you don't get enough sleep, this process gets disrupted, leaving your skin looking dull and tired.
On top of that, lack of sleep can lead to stress, which is not good for your skin. Stress can cause breakouts, worsen wrinkles, and just make you look, well, stressed.
Sleep problems like sleep apnea can also affect your skin. Not only do they make you tired, but they can weaken your immune system, which can lead to skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
So how much sleep do you need for that healthy glow? Experts recommend 7-9 hours a night. Here are some tips to help you achieve that:
Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Make bedtime a calming time. Take a warm bath, read a book, or do some light stretches. Avoid screens like phones and tablets before bed, as the blue light they emit can disrupt your sleep cycle.
Craft Your Sleep Sanctuary: Make sure your bedroom is comfortable and dark. Invest in a good mattress and pillows, and get rid of anything that might disrupt your sleep, like a bright alarm clock.
Prioritize Sleep: If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, talk to your doctor. There might be underlying sleep disorder that can be treated.
Natural Sleep Aids: In addition to these tips, some natural supplements and herbal blends may help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. It's important to consult with your doctor before starting any new supplements, but here are a few options to discuss:
- Magnesium bisyglycinate: Thorne offers an easy-to-use powdered Magnesium bisyglycinate. This type of magnesium is known to be gentle and easily absorbed. Studies suggest it may help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.
- L-Theanine: L-Theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, may promote sleep by promoting relaxation. It increases calming brain chemicals and reduces those associated with alertness, creating a brain environment conducive to falling asleep. This, along with its potential to reduce anxiety, can help you drift off to dreamland more easily.
- Calming Teas: Anima Mundi offers CALM Tea, an herbal tea blend combines calming herbs like chamomile, lavender, and passionflower, traditionally used to promote relaxation and ease the mind before sleep.
- Herbal Elixirs: Anima Mundi offers RELAX tonic, a liquid herbal blend with natural ingredients to help destress and relax which may also help you to fall to sleep easier.
Remember, sleep isn't just about looking good (although, that's definitely a bonus!). It's essential for your overall health and well-being. So tonight, ditch the late-night doom scrolling and prioritize some shut-eye. Your skin and your body will thank you for it!
