GETTING YOUR EIGHT HOURS OF BEAUTY SLEEP

DERMAFLASH

Sleep is a wonderful thing. But there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to how much sleep you really need. If you don’t wake naturally without the benefit of an alarm ringing in your ears, you may not be getting enough sleep.

How much sleep your body needs has to do with your genetics, age, gender, and lifestyle. Insomnia or restlessness is particularly common in women, which is no surprise. Men seem to sleep like babies and fall asleep so easily, while women toss and turn so much more. Hormones play a role too.

If you don’t get enough sleep, you are at risk of experiencing high blood pressure, inflammation, weight gain, diabetes and heart disease. It can also greatly affect your mood, making you cranky and irritable. If you’re not careful, you may fall asleep at the wheel!

Consider how much caffeine you consumer and limit yourself to one or two cups per day, and none past 5 pm. You should also set your alarm clock 20 minutes earlier to be sure you awake on time to start your day. Try hot chamomile tea with honey to soothe you before bedtime, and turn off anything with an on/off switch with enough time to spare before your head hits the pillow.

Of course having a great bedtime routine that allows you to feel relaxed before sleeping is also helpful. That’s why we enlist our top bedtime beauty Indulgences to do the trick:

L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Crème – A classic that combat dry winter skin ($28 at Sephora.com)
Korres Pomegranate Cleansing & Make Up Removing Wipes For Oily And Combination Skin – Ideal for sensitive eyes, taking it all off at night is an absolute must ($15.00 on Sephora.com)
La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Sleep Mask – The ultimate way to de-stress and soothe her skin ($315 at Saksfifthavenue.com)
La Mer Lip Balm – A classic indulgence to avoid cracking and peeling ($55 at Neimanmarcus.com)
Diptyque Black Baies Scented Candle – Subtle red currant undertones will relax you ($85 at Bloomingdales.com)

Your bedtime routine should also include a bed that is inviting with smooth sheets, a warm and cozy duvet, fluffy pillows, soft lighting, and a heavenly mattress.