It’s Certified, Beauty Sleep Is A Thing. But Here’s Why You Probably Aren’t Receiving Enough. – If the human race had a slogan like a car or a kitchen appliance, it would be, “perfection comes as standard.” Every day we’re met with constant reminders of the unattainable standard of beauty we should all attain. From our social media feeds to the sides of buses.

We’re constantly reminded of the near impossible standard of beauty we must all aspire to. Thus, it can feel like we’re fighting a war on all fronts. Often it’s a war we quite enjoy fighting. Buying makeup is fun, shopping for new clothes is fun, relaxing with a face and hair mask and rinsing them off to find a fresher, prettier version of ourselves underneath is fun. Yet, as hard as we try to look our best, it can feel like our every effort isn’t enough. In an age where even our selfie apps allow us to make minor tweaks to our appearances, making our eyes a little bigger or our jawlines a little more defined, it can seem like our best is never enough.

The never-ending battle to be gorgeous at all times may seem exhausting but fear not because it may be that one of the best things for our beauty and general health could be too. Do nothing. You go ahead and get some sleep because of beauty. Sleep is (and has been for some time) an indisputable fact. Here’s why.

The Science Of Beauty Sleep

We’ve all heard our Mums, Aunties and other relatives tell us about how they need their beauty sleep. But, it turns out that they know something we don’t. While we’re asleep, there are many fascinating processes at work, rejuvenating our minds and bodies while we dream.

Most of us know that getting some decent shuteye can help us attain our fitness goals. When we sleep, our bodies secrete human growth hormone, which helps us build lean muscle mass, keep our metabolism efficient, and keep injury at bay—ever noticed that you get stiffer or are more prone to injury at the gym when you haven’t had a good night’s sleep? Fewer of us, however, are as aware of the various processes that can help our skin to look younger and more beautiful occurring while we sleep.

Firstly, while we sleep, our bloodstream carries nutrients and water to our skin and hair, keeping them nourished and hydrated. Once we don’t get sufficient sleep, our skin can feel dry and puffy. While we sleep, we also send collagen to our skin, helping it remain full, firm and youthful, preventing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. 7-9 times of sleep a night is the gold standard for adults, and getting as little as 5 hours’ sleep can double the appearance of wrinkles on our faces.

So, we’ve established that our beauty sleep is essential, but why are so many of us struggling to get enough of it?

We Lead Busy And Stressful Lives – Beauty Sleep

Our bodies sit at a screen under fluorescent lights for 8-10 hours a day. Despite leading a largely sedentary lifestyle. We tend to carry a lot of the day’s stress with us well into the evening. If we cannot let go of that stress via exercise and meditation, it’s likely to keep us awake at night. Of course, exercising and meditating don’t get rid of the myriad troubles that cause us to worry when we should be sleeping, but they can help us gain some perspective on them and get the much-needed shuteye to help us face our woes in the morning. Oh, and keep the laptop, tablet TV, and smartphone off at night!

It's Certified, Beauty Sleep Is A Thing. But Here's Why You Probably Aren't Receiving Enough. (1)

We Underestimate The Importance Of Our Mattresses

When was the last time you altered your mattress? If the answer is “I don’t remember,” you need to change your mattress! Your mattress is one area where you shouldn’t be cutting costs. Instead, treat yourself to something from this pocket spring mattress guide. Pocket spring mattresses are superior to cheaper cage sprung mattresses. Giving you the support and comfort you need to drift off to a perfect night’s sleep every night. You need a quality bed, like these designs from Happy Beds, if you’re getting a good night’s sleep.

We Aren’t Eating Enough Of The Right Foods

Far too many of us are dependent on processed foods full of refined carbohydrates. Sugars and artificial ingredients that are bound to give us the jitters. Cutting down on caffeine, staying hydrated and loading up on nuts, seeds, and fresh veggies and fruits is an easy and enjoyable way to make sure that you drift off to a nourishing sleep night after night.