Be a Sleeping Beauty

It's called beauty sleep for a reason.

Your body needs time to regenerate and repair, which requires sleep. Sleep is one of the best kept beauty secrets. In fact, sleep may be the closest thing there is to the fountain of youth.

The key is to get plenty of sleep, typically be 7 to 9 quality hours of sleep each night.

So, what are the benefits of getting enough sleep?

The answer may surprise you. Fewer fine lines and wrinkles are associated with plenty of rest.

Your skin makes new collagen when you sleep which prevents sagging. More collagen means skin is more plump and less likely to wrinkle. To put this in perspective, only getting 5 hours of sleep can lead to twice as many fine lines and wrinkles as sleeping 7 hours would. Amazing what an additional two hours can make in your appearance.

Your body boosts blood flow to the skin while you sleep, giving you a healthy glow upon awaking.

Sleep deprivation causes a decrease in blood flow to the skin surrounding your face. As a result, skin becomes dull and you no longer get those rosy cheeks. Brighter, less puffy eyes are another benefit of a good night's sleep. Puffy eyes are one of the first side effects of a lack of sleep.

Staying well hydrated and elevating your head with an extra pillow may also help to reduce swelling.

My favorite part about sleep is that it is one of the most effective steps you can take to get glowing skin and it's absolutely free.

Sweet Dreams!