Why You Need To Be Getting More Sleep

Want a good reason to sleep in? There are beauty benefits for getting more shuteye. It’s called “beauty sleep” for a reason.

We’re so busy that what we can’t get done during the day gets done in the evening. That means we’re not only sacrificing our relaxation time but our sleep time as well. You may think that it’s not a big deal because you can function just fine on less sleep and more lattes, but not getting enough sleep can have an impact on your skin. They don’t call it “beauty sleep” for nothin’.

The amount of sleep you should be getting varies depending on a number of factors, including your age, lifestyle, and individual physiology, according to Jurlique Education Manager Sara LaBree. The quality of your sleep is also as important as the quantity, but the general recommendation is between six to nine hours per night.

If you don’t get enough sleep, it can be very evident on your face. And the bad news is that even one late night can have a significant impact on your skin. When you don’t get an adequate amount of sleep, Sara explained, our bodies go into the fight or flight response. They release cortisol which can cause inflammation. Lack of sleep also causes your blood vessels to dilate, and you end up with the dreaded puffy face. Furthermore, everyone is all too familiar with the dark circles that show up after a late night. If you have sensitive or reactive skin, you’re even more likely to show your lack of sleep on your face because you have a thin or compromised protective barrier.

(Related: The 14 Best Tried-And-True Concealers For Covering Up Your Under-Eye Circles)

If you’re not already tempted to take a quick cat nap right now, Sara states that sleep deprivation effects you internally as well. When you sleep, it gives your bodies time to rest, repair, and regenerate cells. This helps slow down the aging process. If you’re not giving your cells enough time to perform the three R’s, you’re eventually going to see the internal issues on the outside. Ute Leube, the founder of Amala Skincare, explains,

“Natural beauty and well-being are intricately linked. A good night’s rest will help restore your body and skin, leaving you looking more refreshed and radiant the next day.”

Sorry to disappoint you, but there are no topical beauty products that can “make up” for lack of sleep. There are only products that can help camouflage a rough night’s sleep (hello concealer). There are also de-puffing eye products, serums, and brightening products to help you fake it, but they can’t do anything to make up for the lack of cell regeneration and rest. If you have difficulty sleeping, there are products that can aid you in that (see below). A good night’s sleep and regular bedtime are some of the best “things” you can have in your beauty arsenal for keeping your complexion looking its best. That’s right; you have official permission to hit the snooze button.

Products to help you get a good night’s sleep:

1. Lavender Room And Linen Mist, Amala

What’s one of the best sleeping aids? Lavender. Spray this wild lavender spray onto your pillow to help you relax.

2. Tata Harper Aromatic Bedtime Treatment, Tata Harper

This 100 percent natural and non-toxic aromatherapy treatment has a calming fragrance that helps calm you and (your mind) down. It contains a blend of sage, lavender, and mandarin.

3. Lavender Chamomile Body Lotion, Bath And Body Works

This creamy body lotion is formulated with lavender and chamomile essential oils to enhance sleep. Apply it after you bathe, and you’ll be counting sheep in no time.

4. Deep Sleep Dreamy Pillow Body Mist, Body Shop

Are you having a difficult time drifting off? Spray on this chamomile and lavender mist. It has encapsulation technology that allows bursts of fragrance to be released at night, so you get a better sleep.