Beauty sleep is not a myth, sleep is a vital part of life, esential for physical and mental regeneration, without sleep we not only look tired our bodies are tired and can’t function effciently, and this shows in our mental clarity and the apperance of our skin. A recent study group proved that the most aging thing to a persons appearance was lack of sleep, which is true, the body is not being able to regenerate fully resulting, in dark circles, dull, sallow complexion, more blemishes and a compromised circulatory system, reducing new fresh nutrients being supplied to the skin and a reduced lymph flow removing toxins, all of which are only going to temporailly increase the visible appearance of aging, not conducive of a beautiful complexion.
A few tips to aid in a restful nights kip and to keep you looking beautiful.
Clear your sleep space of electrical equipment, the bedroom should be for sleep and sex not work, computers and phones emit electromagnetic fields (EMF’s) which interfere with the brains sleep patterns and speeds brain degeneration.
Avoide caffeine after lunch, this includes tea and also dark chocolate this can keep me awake for hours! caffeine can interfere with your sleep for up to 10 hours after drinking.
Try to go to bed at a similar time every night.
Temperature, keep the room cool, overheating will imediately rouse the mind, as will ice cold feet, a cool room and bed socks to keep those toes warm is ideal.
Run a deep bath, not too hot as this is only going to stimulate the body too much, fill a muslin with fresh or dried sage and lavender heads, secure with thread and run the bath water through this, sage is very grounding, while lavender relaxes, or for an easier option soak in a bath of your favourit night time tea bags, pukka’s night time blend is perfect, sweet and mellow, chamomile, oatstraw and lavender, sooth the nervous system, while soaking you can also enjoy sipping a cup of hot herbal tea.
Massage Deeply and slowly massage an oil all overyour body into damp skin, a lavender or chamomile infused oil is perfect, wrap up in fluffy dressing gown and slowly and deeply massage your feet, use your thumbs to press firmly all over the soles, pressing and holding to stimulate reflex points this takes energy and mental focus away from an over active mind.
Hang a lavender bag by the side of your bed, or even under your pillow.
If you have been tossing and turning for hours don’t get upset, get up and make your self a hot drink (non caffeine), read a book, to stop an overactive mind from dwelling on your stresses, get into someone elses story.
Deep breathing. Close your eyes, try taking deep, slow breaths, making each breath even deeper than the last.
Relaxation technique Starting at your toes, tense all the muscles as tightly as you can, then completely relax. Work your way up from your feet to the top of your head.
Visualizing a peaceful place. Close your eyes and imagine a place that is calming and peaceful for you. Concentrate on how relaxed this makes you feel.
Sleep supplements Asphalia is one of the only natural remedies I’ve found really works, based on a blend af natural grasses, you gently drift off and wake up the next morning feeling refreshed.
