Beauty sleep: The real deal

MANILA, Philippines - There’s more to the term “beauty sleep” than just having a relaxed and leisurely slumber. Lack of sleep, after all, equates to puffy eye bags, fine lines and wrinkles. Skin care products may help a bit in counteracting the harmful effects of sleep deprivation, but these can only do so much.

According to health and beauty experts, sleep is one of the best anti-aging beauty treatments. Enough rest gives us a youthful glow because during deep slumber (the Delta stage of sleep) the body rests, rejuvenates, replenishes, and regenerates.

At this stage, the body secretes growth hormones that help repair and rebuild body tissues. Hence, during sleep, the skin’s collagen and connective tissue are being restored.

Also, during sleep, the body doubles up the rate of cell division and protein synthesis, which are necessary for repair and restoration. Since proteins serve as building blocks necessary for cell growth and for repair of skin-damaging elements like stress and ultraviolet rays, sleeping well can prevent premature aging.

Moreover, since all stages of sleep help dissolve free radicals, you can keep early signs of aging at bay by dozing off.

However, not everyone has the luxury to enjoy beauty sleep. A lot of people still suffer from sleep deprivation.

For people suffering from extreme cases of sleep deprivation due to sleep disorders like insomnia, sleeping pills are prescribed. However, most of these sleep-inducing soporific drugs can lead to drug dependence and other adverse effects after long term use. Thus, it’s best to opt for sleeping supplements.

Most of these natural sleep enhancers work by regulating the body’s melatonin, a hormone that is naturally produced in the pineal gland — an endocrine gland located at the base of the brain. This hormone is produced, mainly at night, to regulate our body’s sleep-wake cycle.

Studies suggest that melatonin helps hasten sleep and ease jet lag without the hazards or side effects of prescription pills. Other studies suggest that melatonin may have immune or antioxidant functions.

One of the most recommended natural sleep en­hancer is Sleepwell Melatonin 3mg. Sleepwell, a non-drug and all-natural food supplement, mimics the natural hormone that is produced by the body, thus regulating the natural body clock and enhancing the quality of sleep.

Doctors recommend one to two capsules an hour before bedtime. Locally available in all Mercury drugstores, CQ WOW, and other leading drugstores, Sleepwell has been known to effectively promote good quality sleep, relieve insomnia and other sleep problems, combat jet lag, and work as a powerful antioxidant.