Beauty Sleep Essentials for Your Nighttime Routine

World Sleep Day *might* give us an excuse to celebrate sleep (duvet day, anyone?), but we think sleep should be special every single night. For its skin-restoring qualities, for re-energising our souls, or simply for switching off the noise - sleep is the word, sleep is always the moment. And we’re here to help you experience your best sleep yet with these beauty sleep essentials. 

What is beauty sleep? 

Beauty sleep is the idea that getting enough sleep each night can positively affect your mind, body and soul. Effectively, sleep is a beauty product in itself. But beauty sleep isn't just about looking like our most beautiful selves; it's also about feeling like it from the inside out. When we talk about what's the best beauty sleep, we mean a sleep that's uninterrupted and restful. During this process, cells in our bodies regenerate and repair overnight, giving rise to healthier skin and a vibrant complexion as you open your morning eyes.  

While often spoken about casually, there's a scientific concept behind beauty sleep. As we sleep, the body produces growth hormones needed for skin elasticity and rejuvenation. This aids the production of collagen and repairs damaged cells. Thank you, body! Lack of sleep? Then we experience all kinds of negative skin effects - increased signs of ageing, dark under-eye circles and a dull complexion, to name a few. 

If you're prioritising your rest and getting between 7-9 hours of sleep per night, you're well on your way to supporting your skin - as well as overall health and wellbeing. Your cognitive function, immune function and mood can be impacted by your sleep schedule. Now we know this, do not disturb - we're catching up on our beauty sleep. 

How to fall asleep fast and improve sleep quality? 

While many of us struggle to sleep well (insomniacs, we’re looking at you), there are some ways we can improve the quality of our sleep. If you're wondering how to sleep better at night, alongside eating well and exercising, all of us have tricks we can rely on to relax our minds and bodies - even in the places we might not expect. 

Some healthy sleep habits to adopt are sticking to a consistent sleep schedule, which helps to regulate your body's internal clock. Wind down with relaxing, pre-sleep rituals like taking a warm bath or reading a book, and create a comfortable sleep environment. It's time to dim the lights with a cool, quiet, and dark bedroom. We're big fans of playing calming sounds for sleep on YouTube like gentle rain or soft ocean waves. Our favourite ritual? You can't beat fresh bedding and a really good read. 

Before bedtime, try to avoid blue light from screens (at least an hour before shut-eye), large meals, liquids, and stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine - all of which can disrupt sleep. Exercise can promote sleep, but aim to finish working out a few hours before hitting the hay. 

Sleep is the best meditation, but to help calm the mind even further, try practising techniques to reduce stress, including deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation. For any daytime nappers (us included), limit naps to 20-30 minutes and make the most of your day in natural sunlight. While this may be hard for our night owls, exposure to natural light helps to regulate your body's circadian rhythm, potentially improving sleep at night. Sign us up.

What should I put on my face before bed? 

We love a bedtime skincare routine - a chance to unwind, relax, and enjoy some me time at the end of each day. The products you use may depend on your specific skin type and concerns, but we have the skincare staples that will fit all nighttime routines - especially for our sleeping beauties. 

First up, a cleanser. Cleaning your face with a gentle cleanser removes every sign of dirt, makeup and oil, leaving you with a clean canvas to start layering your skincare. An optional step that we love to include is using a toner, which helps to balance the skin's pH levels and add extra plump. Then apply any treatment products after cleansing, such as serums or spot treatments containing common ingredients - Retinol for youth-boosting benefits, Vitamin C for brightening complexions, or Hyaluronic Acid for hydration. 

Go one step further for your skin's hydration levels by applying a moisturiser. For those of us with oily skin, opt for a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser to help maintain skin health. Want to enhance your beauty sleep? Glow up your dark circles, fine lines, or puffiness under the eyes using an eye cream. And for luscious lips? Always reach for your most nourishing lip balm. Remember everyone's skin is unique, so introduce new products into your nighttime routine gradually. See how your skin reacts, find what works for you and your beauty sleep results will show in good time. 

By Sephora UK Wellbeing Editorial Team

Writers and experts

Updated: 20 November 2023