So many factors conspire to keep us awake at night, including caffeine, eating late, stress or even noisy neighbours. Losing out on a good doze often leaves us with puffy eyes and a pale and sallow complexion. Chronic insomnia can even have an ageing effect, as our body releases too much of the stress hormone cortisol, which breaks down skin collagen.
Ideally we need around eight hours of sleep a night, and as our skin regenerates between 10pm and 2am, rest during this period is crucial.
If counting sheep and drinking warm milk haven’t aided your slumber, we have some natural beauty recipes that could be the answer.
Essential oils are an easy way to help you relax before bed each night. You probably already know lavender is one of the most popular scents to promote sleep, so try adding a few drops of this soothing oil to a bath or burner. But if lavender reminds you of your grandmother’s sock drawer, there are some other options to consider.
“The classics essential oils to use are lavender and chamomile,” Tim Harris from Baldwins, London's oldest natural cosmetic and herbalists, told Cover Media. “Valerian (root) is a commonly used herb for insomnia and sleep. A mild, natural sedative, we can also use the oil for the same effect. One problem with valerian root is that it smells a bit like wet socks crossed with a damp dog. The oil is much more pleasant though, and you could add a little vetivert or sandalwood to the blend to get really earthy and warm.”
Tim also recommends orange blossom if you are feeling tired and anxious. This scent is known for its calming and comforting properties, so sprinkle a few drops on your bed sheets, or add to a bowl of hot water and leave in your bedroom.
You could also try creating your own sleep spray. Simply fill a small spray bottle with distilled water and one tablespoon of witch hazel, then shake. Add 12 drops of your favourite essential oils before shaking again gently. We love a combination of lavender, clary sage and roman chamomile to help us drift off. This bespoke spray can be spritzed on your pillow, sheets, or even your pyjamas.
If you fancy a tasty and tranquilising treat before bed, the Perfect Sleep Cherry Smoothie is packed with nutrients to help you unwind.
“Place 250ml almond milk, 90g frozen or fresh pitted cherries, half a banana, one teaspoon almond nut butter and one tablespoon of oats in a blender and process until smooth,” Nutritionist and author Christine Bailey told Cover Media. “Cherries are natural source of melatonin, our sleepy hormone. Bananas and almond milk provide magnesium, a calming mineral as well as tryptophan, the sleep-inducing amino acid.”Read more at:graduation gowns | celebrity inspired dresses
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