When we sleep, our skin goes into rejuvenation mode, where it rebuilds collagen and repairs damage from free radicals. Sleep is essential for our mind, body and skin- this is why it’s vital to have good quality sleep and always double cleanse the skin before bed to remove environmental pollutants allowing the skin to rebuild and repair.
The quality of your sleep impacts skin health, the way we look and how we feel; there is a reason it’s called beauty sleep.
Personally, if I don’t sleep well, I not only look like a wreck, but I actually cannot function without a good 8 hours of sleep; nothing frustrates me more than a night of tossing and turning.
There are many ways sleep can be affected, and it’s finding the triggers that keep you up at night. These are my top tips for making sure you get some good shut-eye.
Technology
I put a technology ban on myself before bed, a struggle at first as I’m too attached to my phone. Studies have shown looking at screens ‘blue lights’ shortly before bed suppresses melatonin and keeps the brain alert, affecting the quality of your sleep even if you are in bed for eight hours. When I finally began avoiding screens for the last hour before bed, it significantly changed my sleep quality. Also, I began to sleep with no technology in my bedroom, no TV, no phone and no computers; I picked this trick up when I looked to the art of feng shui for my apartment. Feng shui also stresses the importance of an organised and tidy bedroom before falling asleep; it creates a calming space for your mind and body to unwind.
Write a list
My mind does not like to rest; I find writing a list for everything I need to accomplish the next day before going to bed allows my mind to rest rather than racing with a to do list. I handwrite this list as it does not resonate when I type the list on my laptop or phone. It is the act of writing with a pen.
Self-care Ritual
Take some me-time before going to bed. Put the kettle on, create a delicious warming cup (my favourite is adap gems tea or five mushroom blend by Harmonic Arts). Take a relaxing bath; I can’t recommend moonlight alchemy CBD soaks enough for adding relaxation to your bath time to aid peace and calm, and don’t forget to light your favourite candle.
Sound
Play relaxing music or listen to audiobooks; there is something very soothing about storytelling before bed—what a great invention audiobooks. I still love reading, but I love to be read to. If you haven’t yet, download audible!
Lavender
Lavender is calming and relaxing and can do wonders for your sleep. If I’m struggling with sleep or had a stressful day, I take a dried lavender flower and place it under my pillow. You can also light your favourite calming candle or have some essential oils going in a defuser.
Quality of a pillowcase
Investing in a quality silk or satin pillowcase can change your life; well, it did for me so much that I travel everywhere with my silk pillowcases. It not only improved my skin but the quality of my sleep. I think of my pillowcase as a beauty tool protecting your skin from wrinkling. If you sleep on your side or fully face planted into your pillow, it’s a life-saver. Goodbye facial creases in the morning, no more bed hair and blow drys last days longer.
Bedtime supplements
I always take adaptogens like Reishi and Ashwagandha before going to bed, as they can induce relaxation and calm.
Reishi is the ‘Queen of Medicinal Mushroom’ and can induce relaxation and calm, boost the immune system, and supports heart health.
Ashwagandha is a small evergreen shrub and works to calm the brain and reduce inflammation.
Chamomile tea has shown to increase relaxation and calm, so drinking a few hours before bed can be highly beneficial to aid a restful night sleep.
Sleep is essential for our health and wellbeing. If you are still not sleeping well after trying just about everything, then maybe it’s time to seek professional help. Work alongside a doctor, naturopathic doctor, or a doctor of Chinese medicine. The method is up to you, but don’t suffer any longer; we can all have a good night sleep.
Sleep well and live well
With Skin Love
Kimberly
