How To Improve Your Beauty Sleep

Follow A Skin Routine Every Day (and Night)

Using products that help replenish your hair and skin at night is a great idea because they will have plenty of time to work while you are sleeping. Washing your face thoroughly every night is a good first step. This will get rid of any makeup or dirt on your skin that can clog your pores and lead to breakouts. You should also apply a moisturizing creme every night unless your skin is very oily. Some people prefer to apply a separate eye-cream to prevent puffiness under their eyes when they wake up. Having a bedtime skincare routine will also be a signal to your body that you are getting ready for bed. A regular routine makes it easier to fall asleep fast.

Other night-time routines are also a good idea. Doing the same things each night will ensure that you don’t forget anything, which makes for a calmer and happier morning. You may lock your door, set your alarm, set your clothes out for the next day and read for 20 minutes before turning out the lights. The exact routine doesn’t matter as long as you do everything in the same order at about the same time each night.

Change Your Sleep Position

sleep (Photo credit: Sean MacEntee)

You may not think that the position you sleep in has anything to do with the appearance of your skin, but sleeping on your back will help you avoid facial wrinkles. People who sleep on their stomach or side generally nuzzle their face into their pillow while they sleep, which causes lines in their skin. These lines don’t become wrinkles right away, but they do develop into permanent wrinkles over a long period of time. Sleeping on your back also help you avoid spreading oil and bacteria when you move your head against your pillow at night. Using a silk pillowcase will help you prevent wrinkles from forming even if you turn on your side or stomach while sleeping.

Keep Your Mouth Closed

Keeping your mouth clean and healthy enhances your appearance and helps to keep your whole body healthy, but did you know that sleeping with your mouth open often contributes to gingivitis? Brushing and flossing are important, but sleeping with an open mouth can undo their effects. If you keep your mouth open because you can’t breathe through your nose try taking a decongestant about 30 minutes before you go to bed. This help to clear your nasal passages and allow you to breathe normally so that you can get your rest and wake up with a beautiful smile.

Pay Attention to What You Eat

Some foods will make it more difficult for you to fall asleep, while others may make falling asleep easier. Avoid drinking caffeine after lunch because it’s effects take hours to wear off. It may be difficult, but chocolate should also be avoided during the afternoon and evening hours. You should also avoid anything that has caused you heartburn or stomach troubles in the past.

If you often have trouble relaxing before bedtime, try eating or drinking foods that are known for their sleep-inducing properties. There are many teas on the market that are labeled specifically for their sleep-inducing powers. You may also want to try eating turkey or drinking a glass of warm milk just before going to bed.

Avoid Allergens

If you often wake up with puffy eyes or under-eye circles, you may have allergies that you are not aware of. It is common for people to be allergic to dust mites, certain laundry detergents or feather pillows. Changing your laundry detergent is simple, but you won’t be able to completely avoid dust mites. If you are allergic to them, it is best to use a pillow case that is designed to decrease allergens. These pillowcases can be found at most department stores or online. A good night’s sleep is supposed to make you look and feel rested and healthy, but being bombarded by allergens during the night can often ruin your beauty sleep and make you look more tired than you did when you went to bed.

Make Yourself Comfortable

There are many environmental factors that can rob you of the restful beauty sleep you should be getting. If you have electronics in your room, try turning them off before you lie down in bed. The lights may not seem distracting while you are awake, but the light emitted by electronics can make it more difficult for you to sleep. Make sure that your door is closed and your curtains are drawn unless you want the light to wake you in the morning. Try using a white noise machine if there are household or outdoor noises that wake you up during the night or make it difficult for you to fall asleep.

There are many small steps that you can take that will improve the quality and quantity of your sleep. The changes may seem insignificant at first, but any improvement in your sleep will help you wake up feeling rested and looking great.

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