As the busy holiday season approaches, it's more important than ever to make sure you are taking care of yourself and getting enough good quality sleep. Not only will a good night's rest help you feel refreshed and energised for a full day of holiday festivities, but good quality sleep is also crucial for skin health. The best way to promote good sleep and relaxation during the busy Christmas season is by incorporating a simple yet effective self-care and skincare routine before bed to ensure you can get good quality sleep. Here are some easy practices that you can use to wind down and improve your sleep quality during the holidays:

1. Best time to sleep for your body and skin

Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can help regulate your body's natural circadian rhythm, also known as the sleep-wake cycle, making it easier to fall asleep at night. Syncing your skincare routine to your body's circadian clock can also help you get the most benefits out of your night time skincare routine.  

According to Dr Tosin, sleep and wellness expert the average adult is advised to get 7-9 hours of sleep at night but the quality of sleep is just as important for your day to day health and long term health.

2. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and heavy meals before bedtime

We know that one of the best parts of the holidays is the delicious foods and drinks. However, Dr Tosin outlines that caffeine and alcohol are two big culprits and they interfere with your sleep and make it harder to fall asleep. So try to avoid eating and drinking alcohol approximately two to three hours before bedtime for the best quality sleep. 

3. Instead, drink a cup of herbal tea before bed.

Herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, or valerian root can help relax your mind and body, promote melatonin production, and help you get better sleep.

4. Choose simple steps for your night time skincare routine

A good night time skincare routine with natural ingredients like aloe vera and matcha can help nourish and moisturise your skin while you sleep, so you can wake up with a glowing, radiant complexion. This can be as simple as cleansing your face to remove any dirt and impurities and using serums to lock in moisture. Choose luxury skincare brands such as Inur beauty for the perfect addition a relaxing self-care routine that can help you wind down before bed.

5. Use silk products

Sleeping on silk can help improve the quality of your sleep in a variety of different ways. Silk is a smooth, breathable material that won't absorb moisture or natural oils from your hair and skin, leaving them both more hydrated, healthy and strong. Silk is also naturally hypoallergenic and gentle against sensitive skin, preventing irritation and breakouts caused by daily stresses as well as the harsh cold winter weather. Investing in a high quality silk pillowcase is the perfect night accessory for a peaceful night of beauty sleep. 

6. Make your bedroom a sleep-friendly environment.

Last but not least, your bedroom should be dark, cool, and quiet to create optimal conditions for sleep. According to sleep expert Dr Tosin, the best temperature for falling asleep is somewhere between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius. Keeping a cool temperature helps your body regulate its own body temperature. Also, consider using a silk eye mask to block out light, creating a dark, peaceful sleep environment conducive to restful sleep. This can be especially helpful if you're sleeping in a room with a lot of light.

By incorporating these self-care and skincare practices into your bedtime routine, you can get good quality, relaxing sleep and fully enjoy the holiday season!