Get Health and Beauty Benefits with These Smart Sleep Tips

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Sleep is a wonderful thing, providing health benefits that most people aren’t even aware of and allowing us to rest and recharge. However, many of us aren’t getting enough of it, and that’s a problem. Whether you’re a busy professional with a lot on your plate or a stressed-out parent who constantly feels overworked, if your sleep habits aren’t optimized you may be feeling the negative effects even as you’re reading this article.

The good news? You don’t have to accept sub-par sleep. By creating better rest routines and giving yourself the right tools such as soft sheets or a supportive pillow–you can make positive changes to the way you sleep and take advantage of the benefits, which include looking and feeling your best.

Here are some ideas on how to improve your sleep:

Get Comfortable

One of the first rules of great sleep is getting as comfortable as possible, and that starts with soft, breathable clothing. Whether you prefer to wear just an oversized t-shirt or a chic pajama set to bed, finding the right material can go a long way toward helping you get comfy at night. You can mix and match items or just stick with your tried-and-true favorites. There are lots of options for sleep and loungewear—check this out.

Turn Your Bed into a Sleep Oasis

When it comes to comfort, your bedding needs some attention, too. Investing in soft cotton or satin sheets or even a new mattress can help you turn your sleep routine around in no time. You can also look for a supportive pillow or one that keeps you cool at night; take a look around VJPillow.com to check out your options. The right pillow can reduce neck pain and allow you to get a deeper sleep.

If you have pets that sleep with you every night, you may not be getting enough quality REM sleep due to their movements. Consider setting up soft, warm bedding for them close by so you can get the rest you need every night without multiple disruptions. Sleep with a partner who snores? Consider breathing strips that can help open the nasal passageways and reduce snoring, which will help both of you sleep better.

Practice Self-Care at Bedtime

Creating a comfortable sleep environment is only half the battle. It’s also crucial to make sure you’re taking time for yourself before bed, if at no other time of the day. Have a busy schedule that causes anxiety or dread for the next day? Unwinding for half an hour or so before you hit the sheets can help. Try meditating–either by itself or with yoga–or reading a book instead of looking at your phone. Take a hot bath or shower, or be more mindful about food and drinks before you lay down since certain items can keep you awake. Lay out your clothes for the next day, and go over your schedule to make sure you’re prepared. Any or all of these practices count as self-care and can help you skip the anxious thoughts when you’re ready to go to bed.

Optimize the Beautifying Benefits of Good Sleep

You can also incorporate a few practices into your pre-bedtime routine that will optimize the beauty benefits of great rest. Self-care for your body might include creating a skincare regimen that allows you to stay hydrated and dewy–which is important if the air in your home is dry or if you sleep under a fan–or sleeping on a satin pillowcase to protect your hair.

Add Activity to Your Day

Many people don’t realize how closely good sleep and physical health are connected, but it can definitely have major negative effects on your body when you don’t get enough quality rest. Good sleep can have beautifying benefits, but it can also lower your risk of serious health problems such as heart disease and diabetes. It can also boost your immune system and help moderate your appetite, allowing you to keep your metabolism on track. Of course, certain factors can affect these benefits; for instance, if you’re a night owl who tends to sleep mostly during the day, you may not experience the same advantages as someone with a regular sleep pattern.

In order to make the most of these benefits, it’s important to work some activity into your day as much as possible. Even if you don’t have time to fit in a full workout, look for smaller ways to get active, such as taking the stairs at work or playing with the kids outside. Exercise–especially outdoor activity–affects sleep in a number of positive ways and can help you feel more relaxed when it’s time to lie down at the end of the day.

Boost Your Brain Power

Not only can quality sleep help you feel physically healthy, but it can also keep your mental health and cognitive function sharp. It can even affect your ability to make and retain memories, according to certain studies, which can have a profound effect on those who are in school or attempting to learn a new skill. Ever spent a night tossing and turning only to feel completely drained and mentally fuzzy the next day? Your brain health takes a hit when you don’t get enough rest, so good quality sleep can not only help you look and feel better, but it can also help you be the best possible version of yourself, whether you’re focusing on work, school, or personal matters.

The secret to looking and feeling younger and more energized can be found in quality sleep, but getting there doesn’t have to be stressful. By making some simple lifestyle and environment changes, you can get the rest you need and protect both your mental and physical health. Look for comfortable sleep clothing and bedding, choose the right pillows and mattresses for your specific needs, and create some boundaries with pets if necessary.

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