You’ve heard people talk about needing their “beauty sleep” but did you ever stop to think about the truth behind those words? “Beauty sleep” refers to the sleep that is needed in order to make a person feel and look healthy and attractive.
WebMD recommends 7 to 9 quality hours of sleep each night to see the beauty improvements of:
- Fewer wrinkles
- A glowing complexion
- Brighter eyes/without bags or dark circles
- Healthier & fuller hair
- A happier, healthier appearance
The benefits of good sleep go well beyond the outward appearance. Sleep helps us look AND feel better. Getting good rest also offers:
Better Memory & Learning
It makes sense to get a good night’s rest before learning as it can greatly improve memory and retention The Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School has learned that sleep is important also AFTER learning new things. It is while a person is asleep that memories are processed and consolidated, becoming stable. The neural connections that form our memories are strengthened as we slumber, so whether you are learning a new skill or trying to understand a new concept, you’ll remember much better after a good night’s sleep.
Improved Immune Function
Your immune cells need good rest to be able to fight off the cold and flu bugs that come their way. The Mayo Clinic reports that a lack of sleep leads to being more likely to get sick and ALSO slows recovery time.
Better Metabolism / Less Weight Gain
WebMD reports a direct connection between getting quality sleep and having good metabolism and a healthy weight.
A sleep-deprived brain does not make good choices and research shows a lack of sleep leads to late-night snacking and cravings for high-carb foods, which are packed with energy. A tired mind craves junk food and is greatly limited in the ability to say no.
Lack of sleep also affects metabolism. The body does not create enough insulin and fats that would normally be processed end up getting stored. Stress hormones being produced also signal the body to conserve energy and more fat is stored.
Better Judgement, Focus & Performance
Everyone wants to feel energized, alert, and ready for the day. The Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School reported that not getting enough sleep leads to errors in the workplace, accidents and decreased productivity. There are ties between lack of sleep and high-profile disasters such as the space shuttle Challenger explosion, the Exxon Valdez oil spill, and the Chernobyl nuclear meltdown. This finding affects everyone, whether they are in the medical field working long shifts, expected to meet a deadline at work, or sleep-deprived and planning on driving a vehicle. There are many strategies to getting better sleep. Implement these, sleep well and be safe!
Better Moods / Motivation / Perception of Events
Good sleep leads to feeling rested and having energy, which in turn leads to better moods. When feeling happy and focused, small annoyances or problems stay small. On the other hand, lack of sleep can contribute to depression and anxiety.
Time for the Body to Heal Itself
While sleeping, the body is working hard to repair damage from exposure and stress. According to the National Sleep Foundation, as we enter deep sleep, the blood supply to our muscles increases, energy is restored, and tissue growth and repair occurs.
Reduction in Stress / Inflammation
A lack of sleep leads to increased production of stress hormones and high blood pressure, which makes it even harder to fall asleep. Stress hormones also raise the levels of inflammation in the body. Researchers have found that people who have sleep disorders and receive treatment show improvements in their blood pressure and inflammation. Develop good relaxation practices and gain the benefits of decreased stress on your body.
Decrease Risk of Diseases and Health Problems
The Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School has learned that not getting enough sleep, especially on a continuing basis, affects long term health. Lack of sleep can lead to chronic medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, and heart disease. All of these add up to equal a shortened life expectancy.
Getting Good Sleep
If you want to enjoy good quality beauty sleep, but find it hard to come by, Web MD lists several tried and true sleep aids, including melatonin, lavender, and chamomile. Melatonin, one of the most popular sleep aids, provides improved sleep quality, shorter falling asleep time and better daily energy.
ENP’s Restorative Slumber liquid supplement is fortified with melatonin, comes in a delicious chocolate-mint flavor, and can be kept right by the bed. It is a scientifically formulated blend to help you fall asleep easily and stay soundly asleep throughout the night.
Special offer! Buy Restorative Slumber and get Mood Boost Free! Add both to cart and Mood Boost (a $17.95 value) is yours free!
Sources
11 Surprising Health Benefits of Sleep. (n.d.). Retrieved January 20, 2020, from https://www.health.com/condition/sleep/11-surprising-health-benefits-of-sleep
Can lack of sleep make you sick? (2018, November 28). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/expert-answers/lack-of-sleep/faq-20057757
Chang, L. (2018, July 5). Does Sleep Affect Weight Loss? How It Works. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/diet/sleep-and-weight-loss#1
Jacob, S. (2015, November 19). The Truth About Beauty Sleep. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/beauty-sleep#1
Sleep and Disease Risk. (n.d.). Retrieved January 20, 2020, from http://healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/healthy/matters/consequences/sleep-and-disease-risk
Sleep, Learning, and Memory. (n.d.). Retrieved January 20, 2020, from http://healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/healthy/matters/benefits-of-sleep/learning-memory
Sleep, Performance, and Public Safety. (n.d.). Retrieved January 20, 2020, from http://healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/healthy/matters/consequences/sleep-performance-and-public-safety
Stibich, M. (2019, November 6). 10 Top Health Benefits of Sleep. Retrieved from https://www.verywellhealth.com/top-health-benefits-of-a-good-nights-sleep-2223766
The Benefits of Getting a Full Night's Sleep. (n.d.). Retrieved January 20, 2020, from https://www.sclhealth.org/blog/2018/09/the-benefits-of-getting-a-full-night-sleep/
What Happens When You Sleep? (n.d.). Retrieved January 20, 2020, from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/what-happens-when-you-sleep
YOUR BEAUTY SLEEP: definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary. (n.d.). Retrieved January 20, 2020, from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/your-beauty-sleep