What Happens to Our Bodies when We Sleep?
Think of your body like an office building or a school. During the day, workers make a mess and the space accumulates trash. Then, the workers go home to rest, and the cleaning crew comes in and clears out the trash and sanitizes. If the day workers worked all through the night, there wouldn’t be a window of time for the cleanup crew to tidy up, and the general state of order and cleanliness would deteriorate.
Similarly, while you sleep, your body kicks into repair mode and replaces older cells with fresh new ones. In addition, your brain clears out toxic proteins that have built up there during the day. It also processes emotions and solidifies memory. All of this helps you wake up feeling healthier and brighter, and those feelings will show.
How Sleep Relates to Beauty
After getting a good night’s sleep, you may have been told that you look rested, bright, or that you have a “certain glow.” Common results of lack of sleep include dark circles and puffiness under the eyes as well as skin dryness and an increased appearance of wrinkles. That’s because your skin, along with your hair and nails, repairs itself during sleep, counteracting daily stressors such as sun exposure. Poor sleep also increases cortisol production, a stress hormone that can cause inflammation and trigger skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
In addition, there is a scientific connection between sleep and weight gain. Those suffering from sleep deprivation have low levels of leptin, an appetite-suppressing hormone. In addition, not getting enough sleep tends to make you eat more to fuel the added energy output needed to stay awake.
How to Get More Beauty Sleep
On average, adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night. A sleep routine will ensure you’re looking your best and feeling refreshed, and it’s easier to establish than you might think. A consistent sleep and wake cycle, for example, will adapt your body to a regular routine. Try to go to bed at the same time, as well as wake up at the same time, even on the weekends. Have your last caffeinated beverage by 2 pm to make sure that caffeine - which can stay in the body for up to eight hours - is completely out of your system by bedtime.
Use naps sparingly. If you absolutely need an afternoon nap, keep it between 15-30 minutes. Exercise at least 30 minutes a day, too, to help release endorphins that relax you and help you fall to sleep at bedtime. However, don’t exercise vigorously any less than three hours before bed. Eat a sleep-promoting dinner. Stick to lean proteins, vegetables, beans and complex carbs. Finally, set your thermostat between 60 and 68 degrees. This is the optimal temperature for maintaining the proper body temperature needed for restful sleep.
Getting plenty of quality rest can help you feel and look your best. Keep our tips in mind and sleep well tonight!