Is beauty sleep a real thing? Sleep has an effect on societal perceptions, mental health, and physical wellbeing. Learn everything you need to know about beauty sleep and sleep essentials.

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What is Beauty Sleep?

Beauty sleep is the amount of sleep you need to look and feel your best. Although you might be able to get by with a few hours of sleep, beauty sleep requires that you go the extra mile and sleep enough to feel well rested beyond the ability to function throughout the day.

There are multiple benefits to proper sleep such as increased productivity, improved skin, and lower levels of inflammation in the body.

“Researchers in Sweden asked a study group to look at pictures of sleep-starved people vs. ones who’d had eight hours. The well-rested people seemed healthier, less tired — and more attractive.”

 – WebMD

Sleep affects physical appearance by reducing dark circles. It also helps with cognitive functions and mental health. Stress can wreak havoc on skin, and sleep can help some people manage stress.

Sleep affects stress levels as well as hunger. Karolinska Institute researchers identified lack of sleep in others as a triggering biological event. 

As reported by BBC Health Editor Michelle Roberts, Karolinska Institute researchers found that “An unhealthy-looking face, whether due to sleep deprivation or otherwise, might activate disease-avoiding mechanisms in others.”

Sleep affects the way people perceive others and the physical effects of sleep are noticeable.

How to Get The Best Beauty Sleep

One of the most important factors of proper sleep is to get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep recommended for adults by the CDC. In addition, sleeping well requires a peaceful environment and the proper sleep tools. Ergonomics play a large role in proper sleep as well. 

If you are uncomfortable in your pajamas, the temperature in your room is too high, or your room is too bright this can affect your sleep. 

Sleep Hygiene

The CDC defines sleep hygiene as “good sleep habits.” These habits aren’t limited to setting a bed time or brushing your teeth before falling asleep.

Sleep hygiene is affected by everything you do in your room during the day. If your room is a designated sleeping area, this signals to your brain that when you enter your room at the end of the day, it’s time for rest.

However, if you are constantly reading, eating, taking zoom calls, or working from your bed, your brain may not recognize the bedroom as a place to sleep but rather as a place to work, play and socialize. However, sometimes it’s not possible to have a bedroom designated only as a sleeping area. A studio may not allow space for a separate sleeping area, or a crowded house might mean spending more time working from your bedroom. 

If that’s the case, there are still plenty of ways to set up designated work spaced in the bedroom. Setting up a small home office across from your bed is one way to do this. If you live in a studio, you can try using a divider to separate your bed from the rest of your room as long as you have a designated area for sleeping. 

In addition the CDC outlines the following recommendations for proper sleep hygiene: 

• A peaceful area to rest
• Avoid stimulants and meals before bed
• Exercising in the afternoon
• Consistency 

Sleep Essentials

For an outline of sleep hygiene guidelines, both the American Association of Sleep and Web MD offer sleep hygiene checklists with in depth recommendations for improving sleep and maintaining proper sleep hygiene. 

There are a few ways you can improve your sleep with the proper tools. If you area is too bright, you can try a silk sleeping mask like the ones here from Brooklinen. There are plenty of companies that offer silk or satin pillowcases and sleep masks. Silk does not absorb as much moisture from your skin as other types of fabrics.

When traveling, it can be difficult to have the proper sleep tools. These are perfect if your neighbors keep their flood lights on all night or if you need to block out light while traveling.

Consider the colors, furniture, and design elements of your room to help you determine whether or not your space is peaceful and is designed for proper sleep hygiene.

Recap: Is Beauty Sleep A Real Thing?

Beauty sleep is real and has an effect on quality of life in addition to appearance. Take the sleep hygiene quiz to see how healthy your sleep habits are and how to change them.