“Don’t wake me up! I’m getting my beauty sleep!” Turns out, this statement isn’t just a myth. While a bathroom counter might be covered in anti-aging skin products, the most important tool to maintain vibrant, youthful skin actually lies in the bedroom- sleep!

One of the most obvious signs of sleep deprivation is found in your skin. Dark under eye circles, swollen eyes, paler skin, and a haggard appearance are hard to hide when you’re running on only a couple hours of sleep. Your skin is your body’s largest organ, protecting you from dust, germs, pollution, and UV rays. It is in a constant defense mode against everyday life. When you sleep, your skin finally gets a break. It uses this time to rebuild the tissues and cells of your face, specifically during Delta sleep, the deepest stage of rest. During this stage, growth hormones peak and initiate the skin’s repair. Fresh new cells replace the dead cells of the skin.  Collagen protein production is also accelerated, helping skin to maintain its firmness. There is increased blood flow to the surface of the skin, bringing the necessary nutrients to catalyze the healing process from the deleterious elements of the day. The body also metabolizes free radicals, which prevents accelerated aging and cancerous growths. Wrinkles and fine lines are smoothed during sleep because our facial muscles are able to completely relax. Gravitational stress is reduced on our facial skin during the lying down position of sleep, also aiding in the prevention of wrinkles.

The recommended amount of sleep for an average adult is 7.5 to 9 hours a night. When we rob ourselves of this, we lose out on the skin’s ability to reverse all the damage that occurred during the day. A sleepless night can result in noticeable changes in the skin the following morning. However, what people do not realize is that over a longer period of time, a lack of sleep can lead to serious health problems. Chronic sleep deprivation weakens the immunity defense of the skin, so if it is exposed to bacteria, it may result in more severe bacterial skin infections.  If a lesion on the skin is present, sleep deprivation also dramatically slows down the time required to heal the wound. It is of vital importance to have a pillow designed to protect your skin. The Dr. Maas Comfort Gusset Pillow provides the ultimate in neck support and alignment. It has

• A 300 Thread Count, 60% Lyocell, 40% Cotton
• 1″ Striped Dobby Fabric
• Revive Fill
• 2″ Gusset Edge

If desiring youthful, glowing skin wasn’t enough, sufficient sleep brings many more overall health benefits. The risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer are all lowered, and your general immunity is strengthened.  Memory, critical and creative thinking, healthy weight maintenance, and a positive mood are advantages of continually getting enough sleep. It is important to have the same set bedtime and waking schedule, even on the weekends. Make sure to make up for lost sleep as soon as possible. Get plenty of physical and mental exercise, avoid caffeine after 2 pm as well as alcohol within 3 hours of bedtime. A “power nap” of 15-30 minutes in the midday dip in your alertness can help restore a sleep debt and add to your memory and problem-solving skills. These tips will hopefully help you to secure the right amount and quality of sleep, aiding you in not only vibrant, glowing skin, but a healthy longer life.

Dr. James B. Maas and Lane A. Morris, Sleep research and sleep educator professionals.

Dr. Maas is a leading authority and international consultant on sleep and performance, is CEO of Sleep for Success. He is one of the world’s most sought after corporate, medical, academic institution and athletic team speakers.

Lane A. Morris is a research associate at Sleep for Success and is pursuing a career as a physician assistant and sleep educator.

Dr. James Maas, the New York Times best selling author, is a leading authority and international consultant on sleep and performance. Healthy sleep has been proven to be the single most important factor to peak performance, productivity and in predicting longevity. Knowing how important quality sleep is to every aspect of one’s life, we have developed the Dr. Maas Collection to give you the ultimate night’s sleep.

United Feather & Down is a family owned business with eight generations of experience in the down and feather industry. Founded in Europe more than 200 years ago, our mission then and now has always been to produce the most coveted down and down alternative bedding products.

With a legacy that spans two centuries, our industry expertise, devoted customer service and premium quality products deliver outstanding comfort and warmth for a superior sleep experience. We at United Feather & Down are pleased to offer you our collection of the worlds finest feather and down Pillows, Comforters & Blankets for your home. Combining the ultimate in luxury and comfort, our products will provide the ultimate sleep experience, night after night.

We at United Feather & Down wish you a good nights sleep!