You guys know my biggest beauty tip is sunscreen.
BUT I ACTUALLY HAVE ONE THAT COMES BEFORE SUNSCREEN.
In fact, it comes first in LIFE.
SLEEP.
I swear on Pixy, sleep is seriously my best kept beauty secret.
Before you say ya, ya, ya, everyone says that…wait. I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY mean that.
If I don’t sleep, I do not look the same. I do not act the same. My eyes are dull. My smile fades. I can’t concentrate. Etc.
I actually like 9 hours of sleep. If I’m lucky, ten.
I’m not one of those people who thinks it’s commendable not to sleep. Or is like impressed when people brag/say they got ‘six hours of sleep.’
In fact, I actually feel bad for people who think it’s cool not to sleep.
I NEED TO SLEEP.
If I don’t have to be up early, I won’t set an alarm. Why?
Because I like my body to wake up naturally. My body tells me how much sleep I need. On weekends, I wake up when my body wakes up.
If that’s at 6 am that morning, great.
If it’s at 10 am, great.
I’m not someone who believes you have to wake up at the same time every morning.
The other day I didn’t get enough sleep & I just don’t look the same. I look off. I can’t explain it.
Does anyone else know what I mean?
Here’s some sleep tips I’ve picked up along the way:
1.) Sleep mask.
I live and die for my frilly sleep mask. You guys may laugh but I swear it allows me to sort of meditate. This one is favorite lately. It’s pink & frilly & girly but totally gets the job done, ya know? Kind of like a black out shade…for my eyes.
2.) Invest in a quality mattress/pillows.
Here’s the deal: you’re sleeping on this for 7 to 9 (or 10) hours a night, every night, for years. So it really doesn’t make sense to me how girls will invest in a pair of $500 dollar shoes, but skimp on the mattress. I like my mattresses quality! Recently Michael & I moved in together & got a mattress from Sleep Innovations. This is a huge deal that we decided on the same mattress because we are opposite. He likes cold, I like hot. He likes black, I like white. I like hard pillows, he like soft ( ew ). So when we found a mattress we both liked? JAZZ HANDS! This one works well because when it’s delivered it’s rolled up ( sooooo convenient!). You simply unroll it & VOILA!
I have such bad allergies & I swear my allergies have gotten sooooo much better after investing in this mattress. Plus the chihuahuas love it because it’s not too firm, but not too soft. I’m also big on mattress toppers. They seriously make all the difference. This one is my favorite because you feel like you’re sleeping in a cloud…heaven!
Also PILLOWS. I’ve slept on uncomfortable pillows way too many nights throughout my life. Since sleep is such a priority now, I stepped up my pillow game. These ones are AH-MAZING. They align the head so there’s no strain ( perfect for someone with a bad neck/back ) & it kind of customizes to how you sleep.
3.) Reading before bed.
Instead of watching TV or going on Instagram ( heyyyy blue light ), I have been reading. I find reading with the light on works better than reading off my iPad. Because iPad light is just hard on my eyes. My latest book is: The Japanese Art of Tidying. Reading is my way to relax and shut my brain off ( aka take my mind off work ).
4.) Tea & Melatonin.
I am a HUGE tea drinker before bed. Obviously something calming is best. Lately I’ve been all about organic decaf lemongrass tea. YUM. Also, for the past six months I take one melatonin ( obsessed with this one ) before bed and I find it helps me sleep better. Some benefits of melatonin are: a better sleep, it’s natural, a potent antioxidant, governs the body’s circadian rhythms, & it’s very calming ( will do a full post on it soon too! ).
5.) Essential oils.
I will do a full post on this because it’s like a book but lavender oil is everything for sleep!! I swear by it. I spray it on Michael’s hair, the pillows, the chihuahuas, the sheets, etc. It’s so calming & smells wonderful. Plus it’s natural & has calming properties. Perfect before sleep.
What are your sleep tricks/sleep habits? Spill.
xx, lauryn
{ book | claw slippers | sleep mask | don’t worry about me, worry about your brows’ (lol) tee | pj pants }
{{ pics via }}
I agree with you. I also sleep for about 9 hours every day and still have enough time to do everything that I need that day. If I don’t sleep enough, I can’t concentrate, so what’s the point spending all day doing nothing? I rather sleep and than be productive. I also have some troubles with my pillow, can’t find the right one so I have a neck pain.
Anyway, I also recommend one hour before going to sleep no tv, pc, phone. That’s how melatonin can start working and you will sleep like a baby 🙂
Great post, love your blog.
Mikela from http://www.lovingfromberlin.blogspot.com
Did you finish that book, The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing? What do you think about it, I’ve been meaning to read it.
I’ve recently stopped drinking altogether and I’ve been sleeping amazingly. I also may invest in a pretty silk mask! Yours looks so cute and I wonder if that would improve my sleep even further!
Great post girly!! I know SO many people who just treat sleep like it doesn’t matter. It’s like a badge of honor – oh, I got 4 hours because I was SOO busy on this project, look at me I’m a champ! I have had so many client dinners that I just wanted to get up and leave to go to bed LOL. I’m glad you’re on the same page. Also, those slippers? Hilarious!! <3
I completely agree with you! I often joke that I am 90 years old, and I am forever in bed by 11pm. I rise early anyway, so even if I go out and have a late night, I could be in bed at 3am and still awake by 8. I’d rather go to bed promptly by 11 when I know I’m home anyway. Sleep definitely helps me feel my best. I concentrate better, have more motivation to workout, and eat better! Xx
Xx
I’m such a light sleeper, I barely get 7 hours of sleep. I do like the sleep mask, I might get one myself! 🙂 Karo xo
Love this post! I will skimp on sleep far too often during the week and this is a nice reminder that no one functions well on too little sleep! And it’s so important to get good sleep to recover from exercise properly!
I slept a good nine hours last night! At first it felt awful but then it was awesome!
You may want to research using melatonin long term. It is generally meant to be used only short term. The precursor to melatonin is 5-htp and you can take that long term with the same benefit.
I 100% agree with you!! On weekends i wake up at whatever time I like really (unless if I have things to do lol) we need our sleep guys!!
Ps: those slippers are so so cute!!! 🙂
Dorky-and-weird.blogspot.com
Xoxo Jessy
As a mom of a 3 month old baby, I’d give ANYTHING for 7 to 9 hours of sleep! It’s crazy how your body adapts to sleep deprivation, however. One day I’ll sleep through the night, one day…
Hi!!
What sheets do you recommend? I also love your comforter – would you mind sharing where you got it from? I’m looking for a white one similar to yours!
Thanks!
Katie
Oh so important: a dark room! Essential for melatonin too! Unless you live in the rural countryside where there are absolutely no lights on outside during the night, shut the blinds and curtains!
While I don’t need more then 7 to 8 hours of sleep, my skin will dehydrate instantly when I don’t sleep enough, it’s scary! My tip: No coffee if you did not sleep enough. Makes the dehydration worse. Instead drink more water.
I am totally with you on the sleeping! I need so much sleep and I cannot function without it.
Q: I am all there with you on the pillow – I LOVE my pillow and I often hate hotel pillows. Do you travel with your pillow?
I must try these tips since I suffer from insomnia :/
xoxo
I’m totally one of those people that values sleep above all else too! But I’m not so good about putting my computer away before bed so I use flux (it turns off the blue light of computers so it’s easier on your body). It’s my saviour for long essay-writing nights too.
PS. I love your shirt!
xx http://gymbagsandjetlags.com
I was just about to go shopping for a new mattress, pillows and sheets.
Could you provide recommendations on the pillows, sheets, comforter And mattress topper?
I really should be focusing on these tips more but I just feel like there are never enough hours in a day to get everything done and sleep enough. Really working on balance here but struggling.
xx,
Susie
http://www.SequinsandStrawberries.com
I just invested in a new mattress and it has changed my life! I sleep through the night and wake up feeling much more rested than when I had a cheap/old mattress. I also am a fan of melatonin, it really helps on nights when I have a lot going on or am feeling anxious. I’m excited to read your essential oil post, I hear people talking about them all the time but haven’t tried them yet!
Completely agree! I used to always wear an eye mask and my husband hated it (lol)..but I recently pulled it back out again because it just makes me sleep soo much better! And I agree about reading a real book, and sleepy tea! If I’m feeling super stressed out about something I will take a melatonin but usually just tea sends me off to sleep just fine 😉
x. Morgan
I love sleepy tea too. Thanks for reading Morgan! x
I com.plete.ly feel you on this. I can especially can see it on my skin, Like I have fine lines that I wouldn’t normally have. I used to be able to run on just a few hours but not anymore.
I also used to use a lot of Melotonin to help me get 8+ hours, but lately it’s been giving me such crazy vivid dreams (I think because of how it messes with your cycles) so I am trying to ween off.
Oils is my next try!
I also meditate before bed now, since I’m most physically tired, I can sit and let go, then I’m in a good state to drift off into slumber. This has really helped me to have deep relaxing sleep vs. just loop thoughts before bed/anxiety on blast.
Loving the slippers & your blog as always!
Thank you girlllll
I CANNOT WAIT to do a post on oils. I am loving them!! Thanks for the tips too.
I was literally in the midst of a rant about getting enough sleep. Like I try super hard to get 8 hours and it makes me sad at these days, I don’t get a ton of sleep anymore. Sleep and plenty of water, definitely two things to keep one looking younger and feeling fresher. Also, as I work in a hospital, I’ve heard that a lot of melatonin tablets have waaaaay more than you need, just something to be careful with.
Very good advice, I swear I learn something new from you guys everyday ; ) x
These slippers are completely ridiculous, which of course means I completely love them! I can see my dogs chasing my feet with them on now….
<3 Haley @ http://www.beautyinthischaos.com
Haha, you’re just like me ; )
Hi, I love your bed frame! Can I ask where you got it from?!
Thanks!
E-mail me & I’ll connect you with the designer. It’s custom made! x
E-mail me for bed frame details: Lauryn@theskinnyconfidential.com. It’s a custom frame & I’ll connect you with the designer!
Love your huge bed! Looks so comfy. Just a PS, be careful with melatonin. It doesn’t actually induce sleep like many think. It’s meant to treat circadian rhythm disorders. If your body gets too used to the hormone in supplement form, you’ll become dependent.
Very interesting! Going to research this. I use it about 3 to 4 times a week. Will look in to this. Thanks Hannah! x
So many great tips! I totally agree that getting good sleep is the best thing anyone can incorporate into a beauty regimen. My hubby and I are in the market for a new mattress so I appreciate all the links you provided. We currently have a mattress topper and it’s zeee best! I would recommend it to anyone too! Thanks again and love your blog 🙂
Thanks Jessie! Lmk how you like the mattress. I LOVE IT!
Yes yes yes, couldn’t agree more with this post!! I NEED sleep to function. Otherwise I don’t look right either and I act like a cranky pants all stinkin day! So really it’s beneficial to me and the people around me that I get enough sleep everyday, especially beneficial to the hub!
Thank you Lauryn! A good rest is so essential for preserving our health, beauty and our mood! I bought a new bed recently and opted to spend a little extra on the quality. I have to say that it was well worth it! Thanks for the anti-allergy pillows!
XoXo
Sarah
So I’m just catching up on blog stuff and we have the same tea and melatonin trick for getting to bed! My mom got me into melatonin and sleepytime tea. I keep telling my fiance I need to order an eye mask for bed.. so I think I’m going to now. PS love your monster slippers, so cute!
Cynthia
http://www.darlingdownsouth.com
When I was in the University for the last two years I slept two or one hour per night, I had horrible bags under my eyes, but, this past year and now, I’ve been sleeping 8-7 hours every day and my bags are almost gone, only thing I did was sleeping good. So I can tell you that this topic is true!
Pao
http://unfoldedgirl.com
Agreed, a good night’s sleep should be the most important part of your beauty routine. Thanks for the great tips
I have to have a totally dark room and then the fan for white noise and keeping the air circulating.
I don’t usually get the sleep sleep required for me and all I get is several skin issues (i.e. being pale, chapped skin and a bunch of pimples) But we have to admit that the psychological state of mind can also be affected with lack of sleep. In order to do so (sleeping well) one must need food, and good bed quality heck, even ventilation is involved. Thanks for the post Lauryn and I guess the regimen works because you look gorgeous!
can you link where you talk about birth control, organic tampons and boob jobs ?:D
Sure! I also linked the whole list above for you too, Cati. x
Birth control: https://www.theskinnyconfidential.com/2014/08/07/mmmhmmm-real-real-today-birth-control-experience/
Organic tampons: https://www.theskinnyconfidential.com/2015/03/03/organic-tampons-yesssss/
Boob job: https://www.theskinnyconfidential.com/2015/07/01/finally-have-a-little-energy-to-talk-about-surgery/ ( << a full post is coming soon on this )
I never knew there were organic tampons being made. I definitely have to check this post out.
Actually, I am comfortable on my bed sleeping, but I get easily annoyed in any kinds of noise. When I hear noise on my deep sleep, I got easily annoyed that turns that I can’t go back to sleep. I know I am not the only one who’s suffering this kind of problem and I would like to share how I passed through it. It is true that one of the best beauty tips is getting enough sleep. Really true! I had discovered this noise machine that helps me to sleep and minimize unnecessary noise. Hope you guys getting enough sleep also! Thanks also for the tips, Lauryn.
I completely agree. Sleep is the best beauty regimen. It’s easy and absolutely free.
Ever since I have been focusing on getting a better night sleep, my wife has commented that I look about 5 years younger! She can’t keep her hands off of me now! Love it!
undoubtfully the best advice i really appreciate you bro
checkout http://skinstylefitness.blogspot.com/2016/06/How-To-Be-Handsome.html
A lot of people have trouble with sleep though, and I think it all has to do with our pre-bedtime habits. You have emphasized good points here. Study good sleep can maximize problem solving skills and enhance memory. Poor sleep has been shown to impair brain function.
Thanks for the tips for better sleep. Its very true sleep is one of the best treatments for our skin and beauty. What I need most for good sleep is comfortable, Relaxing bedding and I always make sure that the area where I sleep is dark and quiet. It always works for me to have good sleep..
Having the right mattress (a firm one!) is of utmost importance if you struggle with sleep. Good article and great advice as always.
thanks for sharing with us. and great post ever.
When it comes to sleeping, bedding should be considered carefully. Picking up an air mattress has never been an easy task. One which is convenient and comfortable for the a couple is especially hard to find. Thank you for your sharing experience and please keep it up.
Prayer or Meditating while in bed is one of the best ways for me to sleep like a baby. I always find myself dozing off and drifting to Dreamland within 30 seconds. Of course, fresh bed sheets every single night also helps.
Great article! Very informative and helpful. Thanks
https://orthoseatinghq.com/
lol you’re pretty <3 ^-^ :p
and yes, sleep is hella important for a good day.. and a good life.. one day, when i was doing bachelors, i didnt sleep at all, in the night and went to the university.. and my mind was so disturbed that i was having suicidal thoughts lmfao.. not even kidding hahah.. that day i decided that i'll never compromise on sleep again hahaha xD
Even getting one or two fewer hours of sleep per night on a consistent basis can have long-term damaging effects for our bodies and mind. Regularly placing sleep at the bottom of your “to-do” list can make it harder for you to look and feel your best. … Make sleep a priority and you’ll look and feel a whole lot younger.Jun 25, 2012
Hi!!! Thanks for sharing such a nice piece of advise , I really need to buy a sleep mask to increase the quality of sleep!