There’s no doubt that a good night’s sleep can leave you feeling energized and empowered, but can you really wake up more beautiful? Research shows that “beauty sleep” is, in fact, a real thing. Continue reading to find out how to optimize your sleep and wake up with a brighter, more youthful complexion. 

Step 1: Understanding the Benefits of Sleep

If you’re still not convinced of the benefits of sleep, studies show that sleep is not only necessary for our bodies to function on a molecular and intellectual level, but also has the power to improve our mood and mental health. Dr. Merrill Mitler, a neuroscientist at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), claims that this connection allows us to determine who is well-rested. We can, therefore, determine who is healthy and able to positively interact with others. In other words, a well-rested person gives off the appearance of being approachable––and more attractive.

Step 2: Getting a Good Night’s Sleep

But what exactly does a “good night’s sleep” mean? The National Sleep Foundation reports that on average, adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night. While some people function best by sleeping for eight hours continuously, others may prefer to supplement their nightly sleeping with day-time naps. Either way, the organization points out that good sleep should leave you feeling alert and refreshed.

Step 3: Follow a Regular Sleep Schedule

Maintaining a regular sleep schedule is important because it keeps our circadian rhythm in check. Circadian rhythm is our internal clock that signals when we feel alert and sleepy during each 24-hour cycle. It's controlled by the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that responds to factors like lightness and darkness. Things like jet lag and staying up late watching TV throw off our circadian rhythm and make it difficult to stay alert the next day. Following a regular sleep schedule, meaning falling asleep and waking up at similar times each day, ensures that you can sleep through the night and easily wake up in the morning, which is essential to feeling your best throughout the day.

Step 4: Wake up Youthful and Glowing

Following a regular sleep schedule is easier said than done; however, it really does impact your appearance. According to Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, author of From Fatigued to Fantastic, sacrificing sleep decreases the amount of growth hormone that the body releases. This hormone is essential to maintaining a youthful appearance because it keeps our muscles and skin firm. Sleep deprivation also leads to inflammation, which causes under-eye circles and puffiness. Furthermore, the face has a high concentration of blood vessels, which the nervous system actively regulates. Sleep is necessary for our bodies to properly pump blood into our lips and cheeks. By getting good sleep, we can maintain a youthful appearance and wake up with a natural, healthy glow. Pro-tip: use a sleeping mask, like this Aqua Bomb Sleeping Mask from Belif, with hyaluronic acid and moisturizing properties, to wake up even more radiant. 

Step 5: Healthy is Attractive

Ultimately, humans prefer to socialize with healthy-looking people. Having an energetic and youthful appearance makes us come across more attractive to others. If you’re like the rest of us, getting “beauty sleep” is a challenge. Luckily, Nourage provides another option to look and feel your best. The vitamins and antioxidants in Nourage supplements can help increase blood flow and restore a healthy, youthful appearance.   Sources: "The Benefits of Slumber," NIH.gov Michelle Roberts, "Beauty sleep is a real thing, research shows," BBC News "What is Healthy Sleep?" National Sleep Foundation Nicole Spector, "Why 'beauty sleep' is real, according to doctors," NBC News