When we sleep our body goes into reparative mode with the skin being the most visible part. Damaged or dead cells are replaced with new ones thanks to a natural exfoliation process, while any environmental damage, including UV, is also repaired. Sleep plays a big part in the proper functioning of our brain too. When we’re asleep it’s working hard to clear out any waste and consolidate information we’ve learnt during the day. Failure to get proper sleep at night means the brain is unable to perform these crucial tasks, which can lead to a lack of focus and reduced productivity the following day.
Sleep is a critical part of our overall health and is absolutely integral to maintaining optimum focus, productivity and emotional stability, as well as physical function. Good quality, regular sleep helps re-energise our brain cells but when this doesn’t happen, we enter sleep deprivation, a state which causes stress to the brain and causes our mental, emotional and physical health to suffer.
“One of the obvious 'wind down' practices that many of us do each evening is a skincare routine, or even just washing our faces. This isn't only good for your skin, but can also set the tone for sleep. When done regularly, your body will be able to pick up the pattern, and learn that bed time is on its way. This can help ease your body into a sleepy state rather than trying to sleep unexpectedly, with your brain wired and ready for more.” Stephen Goknel, sleep guru and founder of Luff Sleep
While ensuring you get a good amount of sleep is important, the quality of sleep is just as relevant, so it’s essential to avoid anything which could disrupt it. Sticking to a regular sleep pattern is critical too, as it helps ensure our circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock, stays on track and produces melatonin, the hormone we produce that helps make us sleepy, at the right time.
“The right support from a pillow can also have a huge effect on the quality of your sleep, and your recharge, helping to maintain the natural alignment of your spine and to correct the level of CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) in your brain and spinal cord. When this alignment goes off centre, it affects your circadian rhythm as well as your balance and nervous system. If you're naturally a side sleeper, the 'right' pillow for you might be different than if you sleep on your back or front.” says Goknel.
Learning to relax is key; focussing on breathwork is not only a way to calm the body, it hugely benefits the skin too. When our bodies are under stress from environmental aggressors, fatigue or anxious situations, they enter into fight or flight mode. The oxygen can’t get through and so the sympathetic nervous system, the body's rapid involuntary response to stressful situations, takes over and the primary stress hormone, cortisol begins to flood our system. By beginning to breathe correctly, (in through the nose and out through the mouth), we begin to engage the parasympathetic nervous system. This slows everything down, cortisol production declines and we begin to secrete hormones that instead help to relax the body and mind. Deep and effective breathing also flushes excess carbon dioxide from our body and instead brings a nutrient-rich supply of fresh oxygen, which helps improve circulation in the skin, re-energises the cells and reduces the impact of stress. Some people also find that mouth taping can help when focussing on breathing. Jackie, Founder of Made of More swears by it.
“Before you sleep you need to put yourself into a relaxing atmosphere. This can include the temperature of your room as anything too hot can prove problematic. I always recommend, before you start to wind down for bed, to turn the temperature down in your room (or cool your forehead with a damp flannel / get your fan ready), to bring your internal temperature down slightly and signal to your body and mind that it's time to sleep.” continues Goknel.
To give our skin the best chance to recover and heal from periods of stress, plenty of good sleep is essential. That’s because when we sleep, the skin's blood flow increases and essential structural maintenance such as the rebuilding of collagen can continue. It’s always a good day when skin wakes up feeling and looking bouncy!
Luff Sleep's patented Nanoweave® Bamboo is naturally antibacterial and anti-allergy so even sensitive skin will really enjoy the benefits. As Bamboo Silk is also low-friction, it helps to prevent dust mites, the morning ‘pillow face’ and frizz, while also promoting better moisture retention, a softer complexion and glowing skin.
Fancy finding your perfect pillow? Take Luff’s quiz here!
