Glow starts with rest, and for bridesmaids, guests, and especially brides, beauty sleep is essential to combat the stress, tiredness, and sleepless nights caused by wedding preparations.
While you sleep, your body goes into repair mode, regenerating skin cells, reducing inflammation, and balancing hydration levels. This way, a solid night of rest leaves your skin glowing, your eyes bright, and your overall appearance fresh and youthful. On the flip side, lack of sleep can lead to dark circles, puffy eyes, and dull skin, which are all the things you want to avoid when attending a wedding, where photos and lasting memories are created.
Prepping your mind and space for a restful sleep
In the days leading up to the wedding, aim for at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night and, to help make this happen, establish a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. This helps regulate your body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up feeling rested.
The first trick is to, in the evening, start winding down at least an hour before bed. Dim the lights, put your phone away, and enjoy relaxing activities like reading or a warm bath. Also, drinking a calming tea, like chamomile, can help signal to your body that it’s time to rest. On another note, consider using a silk pillowcase to minimize friction on your skin and hair, reducing the risk of wrinkles and frizz.
Creating the perfect sleep environment
It’s also important to optimize your sleep environment. Your bedroom should be cool, dark, and quiet. Blackout curtains, white noise machines, and comfortable bedding can make a huge difference in how well you sleep. For this, pay attention to what you eat and drink throughout the day, too. Large meals, caffeine, and alcohol close to bedtime can interfere with your ability to fall and stay asleep.
Specialists say staying active during the day can promote better sleep, as physical activity helps you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper rest. Just be mindful not to exercise too close to bedtime, as it may leave you feeling too energized. Managing stress is also key, since relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or even journaling can ease anxiety and clear your mind before sleep.
Lastly, if you’re still struggling with sleep, natural supplements like melatonin or valerian root may help, but it’s always wise to consult a doctor before starting them.
Besides, your nighttime skincare routine is crucial in ensuring you wake up looking refreshed, so don’t forget to cleanse your face thoroughly to remove makeup, dirt, and excess oil and then follow with a hydrating serum and a nourishing night cream. The extra hydration and repair overnight will have you glowing when the wedding day arrives.
With all of this said, the night before the wedding is especially important! We know that it’s tempting to stay up late chatting or celebrating but try to focus on relaxation routines.