Beyond healthy foods, herbal teas and detox, there is a powerful skin and body regenerator that is greatly overlooked, thanks to the Western world’s work- hard-play-late attitude. Sleep, say many health coaches, wellbeing practitioners and holistic doctors, is a potent healer and remedy for many conditions that ail the skin.
Naturopath Tristian Kelly, who runs a sleep, wellbeing and anti-ageing clinic called Counting Seashells (countingseashells.com.au) at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, says the importance of sleep “cannot be underestimated”.
“The body needs sleep to repair cells and recover from the day — this can be easily seen from the benefits of sleep, which include healthier, younger skin, improved heart function, improved weight control, reduced chance of diabetes and improved mental clarity,” he says.
Dr Chen agrees. “Sleeping is the best medicine for your body. If you are unable to have good-quality sleep, your health condition will go down and your immune system will get worse. When you have a good sleep, your injured body or wound will heal four times faster than if you are unable to sleep properly.
GOOD SLEEPING TIPS
Don’t watch television or use a computer at least one hour before bed. Studies have shown it can slow the production of the sleep hormone, melatonin, which promotes sleep.
Turn off all artificial light in your bedroom, including the alarm clock. According to The National Sleep Foundation in the US, exposure to light stimulates a nerve pathway from the eye to areas of the brain that control hormones, body temperature and other essential sleep functions. One study also found that exposure to unnatural light cycles could lead to depression.
Drink a small glass of sleep-inducing chamomile or valerian tea.
Take a warm bath infused with lavender oil.
