Sleep Well to Look Well

Looking good is about more than putting on the right shoes and outfit, or having a flattering hair style and attractive makeup.  Looking good is also about feeling good – and that means taking care of yourself in other ways.

One very important way to take care of yourself is by getting plenty of sleep.  With the schedule that many women have, juggling a career, home, and personal life, it’s no surprise we do not get sufficient sleep for optimum health.  That means that no matter what products you use, your skin, eyes, and hair are just not going to look their best.

The occasional sleepless night is not a cause for concern.  However, if you are experiencing more than the occasional sleepless night, it may be a symptom of something more than normal every day stress. If you are experiencing any of the following, it’s time to see a doctor:

• Sleep Apnea – Symptoms include loud snoring and gasping or choking for breath while you’re asleep. In addition to causing extreme fatigue, and daytime sleepiness, sleep apnea can contribute to high blood pressure and increase your heart attack risk. If you think you may have these symptoms, ask your bedmate.
• Insomnia – Everyone has experienced the situational inability to get to sleep or stay asleep, but when it’s a persistent problem, it can contribute to excessive daytime sleepiness, memory loss and more frequent illness.  Plus, insomnia takes it toll on how you look.
• Narcolepsy – Symptoms are an irresistible urge to sleep, often at inappropriate times, like when you’re driving.  Or shopping.  Or eating,  Or pretty much anytime at all.
• Restless Legs Syndrome – This is a crawling sensation that causes an irresistible urge to move the legs, especially when sleeping.  You may not realize that you’re moving about, but you’re likely to get complaints from your bedmate.
• Periodic Limb Movement Disorder – Involuntary contractions of the leg muscles while you’re sleeping can cause you to wake up, either partially or completely. This results in daytime fatigue and achy legs.

If you’re having too many sleepless nights and feeling tired during the day, it’s time to see your physician. Feeling good is a big step toward looking good!

Photo credit: SXC

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