It's not just a buzzword or a thing lazy people say to get extra minutes of shut eye, beauty sleep is an actual thing! An easy way to achieve great skin, beauty sleep means getting your full eight hours of sleep and waking up sans eye bags, blemishes, and dark circles. However, getting beauty sleep isn't as easy as just plonking your head on a pillow and hoping for the best. It requires a little bit of mindfulness, especially before, to ensure that you're making the most out of it. Ahead, we're listing down the five ways you can make the most of your beauty sleep, and ensure that your skin looks like a dream — even when you wake up.
- 01. Stay away from blue lights
- 02. Follow a skincare routine
- 03. Tea-time!
- 04. Invest in silk
- 05. Try pre-sleep meditation
01. Stay away from blue lights
We're not just talking about switching off your Facebook or your Twitter; we're talking about all tech gadgets involved. While you may be tempted to scroll the 'gram till you pass out, experts suggest you stow away all electronics before turning in for the night. Why? The blue light emissions from your devices impede the release of melatonin — the hormone controlling the sleep-wake cycle. So switch your gadgets off 30 minutes before bedtime — your reels will still be there in the AM, we promise!
02. Follow a skincare routine
While AM skincare routines are for prepping your skin for the day, PM routines are for aiding the skin’s natural repair and restoration process. Make sure you have a proper PM skincare routine in place at night — one that starts with makeup removal and ends with a potent night cream. Also, following a skincare routine at night can be super de-stressing, and can contribute to your beauty sleep in more ways than one.
03. Tea-time!
You'd want to be completely calm before you turn in for the night, and herbal teas are your answer. Herbal teas have been long-touted for their antioxidant, health benefits — and they're great bedtime nightcaps too. You have a variety of them to choose from, each of which alleviate stress, improve sleep, and reduce insomnia. Plus, you can always use the teabags the next morning to cool the under-eye area!
04. Invest in silk
The benefits of using a silk pillowcase are multifold, for both, your skin and hair. For your skin, using a silk pillowcase helps avoid sleep wrinkles on your face, and also not soak up any face oils and serums you may have used before, therefore making sure your hydration levels are optimal. For your hair, a silk pillowcase reduces friction thereby smoothing your strands and ensuring you wake up without frizz.
05. Try pre-sleep meditation
Okay, so you don't need to bust out a yoga mat or intense chanting for this one; making the most of your beauty sleep can begin with something as simple as mindful meditation. Before you get knocked out, simply spend 5-10 minutes meditating — you can use a guided meditation app, listen to soothing music and nature sounds, or just think about... nothing at all! It may not seem like much, but it'll create a huge difference in the long run.
Written by Nishtha Bhalla on Sep 24, 2021
Nishtha is a freelance writer who loves all things beauty, fashion, culture, and lifestyle. With content covering a variety of topics, she brings a holistic, nuanced perspective to her writing. In her free time, she can be found watching reruns of The Office, reading anything she can get her hands on, and experimenting with astrology.