Beauty Sleep: Night-Time Habits That Help You Wake Up Refreshed

The phrase “beauty sleep” might sound old-fashioned, but there is a reason it has stuck around. After a run of late nights, most of us can see it in the mirror: puffier eyes, duller skin and a general look of being slightly out of focus. A good night’s rest will not work miracles, but it does help you look and feel more like yourself, and a calm evening routine is one of the nicest ways to get there.

Create a Wind-Down Ritual

Your skincare routine can double as a signal to your brain that the day is over. Dim the lights, remove your make-up properly, cleanse gently and apply your night cream slowly, perhaps with a short facial massage using your fingertips. Taking a few unhurried minutes helps the routine feel like a pause rather than another chore.

• Put your phone on charge outside the bedroom, or at least out of reach.
• Swap scrolling for a book, a podcast or some gentle stretching.
• Keep the room cool, dark and quiet if you can.
• Try to go to bed and get up at roughly the same time each day.

Small Comforts That Help

A silk or satin pillowcase feels lovely and may reduce friction on hair and skin. Change pillowcases regularly, as they collect oils and product residue. Keep a glass of water and a lip balm by the bed, and consider sleeping with your head slightly raised on an extra pillow if you often wake with puffy eyes.

Caffeine late in the day can make it harder to drop off, so you might switch to a caffeine-free drink in the evening. A warm bath an hour or so before bed can also feel wonderfully relaxing.

If Sleep Is a Struggle

Everyone has the occasional restless night. If you regularly struggle to fall or stay asleep, or feel exhausted despite resting, it is worth talking to your GP, who can help get to the bottom of it.

Start tonight with just one change, such as putting your phone away half an hour earlier. Small, steady habits are what turn into good sleep, and good sleep tends to show.