Beauty Sleep: The Secret to a Fashionable Heart
Beauty Sleep Matters Lack of Sleep Causes Oxidative Stress in Women, Study Reveals
Image by Brkati Krokodil / Stocksy
Lack of sleep can cause oxidative stress in women, according to a study.
So, here’s the deal, my fellow fashionistas – we can debate whether coconut oil is the bomb or the bomb.com, and we can ponder whether to do more cardio or strength training until we’re blue in the face. But one thing that every health professional can agree on is this: beauty sleep is non-negotiable!
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But darling, getting enough quality sleep is easier said than done, especially for us fabulous ladies.” Between hormone fluctuations, long work hours, caring for everyone and their Aunt Sally, and the never-ending stress of being fabulous, our shut-eye gets compromised. But listen up, my glam squad, the lack of sleep is not doing us any favors, especially when it comes to our heart health.
You see, according to a recent study published in the journal Scientific Reports, losing just 90 minutes of precious sleep every night can wreak havoc on the blood vessels of women in their 30s and 40s. Say what?!
Let me break it down for you, beautiful people. Those blood vessels of ours are like the VIP lanes in a fashion show – they deliver oxygen-rich blood to every corner of our fabulous bodies while sweeping away all the waste. But when those blood vessels encounter oxidative stress (think of it as the fashion police on a bad day), it’s trouble for our stylish hearts. In fact, heart disease, the leading cause of death in women, can sneak in faster than a fashion blogger at a sample sale.
But here’s where it gets interesting, my fashionable comrades. In this study, 35 women (average age 36) who regularly slept 7 to 9 hours per night were asked to follow their regular sleep schedule for six weeks. Then, they were asked to delay their bedtime by an hour and a half, bringing their sleep time down to a measly six hours. Researchers monitored their sleep with fancy wrist trackers and checked their endothelial cells (the chic and important cells that line our blood vessels) for signs of oxidative stress.
The verdict? Sleeping less led to higher levels of oxidative stress in those stylish blood vessels. And guess what? That’s the first step towards cardiovascular disease – the ultimate fashion faux pas.
As study leader, Sanja Jelic, M.D., put it, “This is some of the first direct evidence to show that mild chronic sleep deficits cause heart disease.” Ladies, this is the wakeup call we all need. Because if we don’t take care of those blood vessels now, by the time menopause hits, we’ll be looking at a staggering 70% risk of cardiovascular disease. And trust me, fashion-forward and heart problems don’t go hand in hand.
So, what’s a style-savvy lady to do? Fear not, my trendsetters, I’ve got some killer tips for you:
Sleep Like the Fashion Icon You Are
- Set a consistent sleep schedule: Treat bedtime like it’s the hottest fashion event in town – go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. None of that “irregular bedtimes” nonsense. This will help establish a natural sleep-wake cycle and make it easier for you to fall asleep and wake up looking fabulous.
- Avoid late-night alcohol: Sure, a glass of bubbly can make you feel fancy, but it messes with your REM sleep, darling. If you must indulge, make sure to do it at least four hours before bedtime – you don’t want alcohol stealing the spotlight from your beauty sleep.
- Try a sleep-supporting supplement: Magnesium and melatonin are like the fashion power couple of supplements. Magnesium brings a calm relaxation to your bedtime routine, while melatonin sets the stage for a night of blissful sleep. Just be mindful of how melatonin interacts with hormones – it’s like mixing prints, gorgeous but tricky.
Now, my dearest readers, remember this: sleeping well is not just a trend, it’s a lifestyle. Prioritize your beauty sleep, sashay away from poor sleep habits, and don’t forget to invest in some fabulous sleep-supporting supplements. By doing so, you’ll not only have the energy to conquer the world but also keep your heart in runway-worthy condition.
So sleep tight, my darlings, and wake up ready to conquer the fashion world!
Now, over to you – what are your favorite tips for getting a good night’s sleep? Share them in the comments below!
