Ah, sleep—that elusive state of bliss that eludes many of us in our bustling, always-on world. Since moving to New York, I have repeatedly found myself being metaphorically swallowed up by the ever enticing work-til-you-drop mentality that holds this city up. But I fight it everytime. Why?
Because a good night's sleep is the secret weapon for beauty and overall wellness…
I know that “quality sleep” isn’t as sexy as “5 interesting and powerful methods for clear skin that you’ve never heard of” (and probably for good reason). But trust me, it is by far the most transformational tool at our disposal for basically any health or beauty related goal.
Let’s uncover the science and art behind leveraging sleep for your most radiant self.
The Science of Sleep
When we drift off to sleep, our bodies can focus more on repair and rejuvenation processes. It’s like a nightly spa session for every cell in your body. During deep sleep, our skin cells regenerate faster, our hormones balance themselves out, and our brain detoxifies, literally sweeping away the mental cobwebs of the day. But it's not just about sleeping longer; the quality of sleep matters immensely.
Tips for Enhancing Sleep Quality
THE MAGIC OF RED LIGHT
Switch your iPhone to a red hue at night to minimize blue light exposure, and consider blue blocking glasses or red light devices to signal your brain it's time to wind down.
TEMPERATURE MATTERS
Body temperature plays a key role in how well we sleep. Our body cools down at night to signal that it's time for rest. A cooler sleeping environment can thus encourage deeper, more restful sleep. I have heard wonderful things about the Eight Sleep Pod Cover and will be looking to grab one for myself soon.
MAGNESIUM GLYCINATE
This form of magnesium is incredible for promoting relaxation and enhancing sleep quality. It’s easily absorbed by the body, helping to relax muscles and calm the nervous system. It's particularly effective for those who struggle with sleep because it works to reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and increases the overall sleep duration, as well as setting the body up to wake feeling refreshed.
MY FAVORITE BEDTIME ELIXIR
I create new elixir's all the time and recommend you do the same! But my current go to is crafted from simple, natural ingredients and designed to support adrenal health and prepare your body for a night of deep, restorative sleep.
Recipe:
Tart Cherry Juice: 1 cup (for natural melatonin)
Cream of Tartar: 1/4 teaspoon (for potassium)
Celtic Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (for trace minerals)
Sparkling Mineral Water: to taste, for a touch of fizz
I love to drink it in a wine or cocktail glass to make it feel fancy (minus the sleep-disrupting alcohol).
LEGS UP THE WALL
Just 5-10 minutes of this simple, restorative yoga pose is amazing for winding down after a long day. By elevating your legs up against a wall, you encourage circulation and help reduce inflammation. It promotes relaxation and can significantly aid in calming your mind, making it easier to fall asleep.
With my husband in mind who has suffered with insomnia, I created this meditation for people who really struggle with sleep.
THE EVENING meditation from THE MEDITATIONS. Designed with science-backed techniques and visualization, this meditation not only guides you into a deep, restorative sleep but sets the stage for you to wake up as the most elevated version of yourself, living in alignment with your dream life.
When it comes to our health and vitality, sleep is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity. I hope these tips will help you give your sleep the attention it deserves, unlocking a more radiant, energized, and vibrant you.
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