Hair Heroes Shimmer and Shine

TRUEPLEX BAMBOO MIRACLE ALL IN ONE LEAVE IN TREATMENT 178ML

This leave in treatment is loaded with powerful antioxidants that help prevent and repair damage caused by chemical, mechanical and environmental stress. Extends the life of colour with powerful antioxidants and UV protectors, while eliminating frizz, repelling humidity and improving manageability. Especially great if you’ve been in a chlorinated pool. $39.95 www.trueplex.com DAVROE FORTITUDE SPLIT ENDS THERAPY BALM

A nourishing balm to reconstruct, seal, and prevent the return of split hair fibres. RRP: $32.95 www.davroe.com/

Heroes HAIR

Make your hair shimmer and shine with these latest products

MOROCCANOIL HYDRATION DUO PACK

Infuse dehydrated, dry hair with much-needed moisture. Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo conditions hair with antioxidant-rich argan oil, Vitamins A and E and moisture-attracting red algae for hair that looks and feels healthier. Includes 1 x Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo 250ml and 1 x Moroccanoil Hydrating Conditioner 250ml. $85 www.amr.com.au

DAVROE CURLIE CUE HYDRATING HAIR OIL

The Davroe Curlie Cue Hydrating Hair Oil is a lightweight ultra-moisturising oil. Rich in a blend of nine botanical oils. It is an intensely hydrating oil that is easily dispersed and absorbed to strengthen and condition all hair types, while creating a high gloss finish. $30.95 www.davroe.com

FUZZFIGHTERS DETANGLING BRUSH SMALL + INEBRYA FRIZZ-FREE SPRAY PACK

The brushes are manufactured to the highest possible standards using the most up to date technology available. They are designed to emit negatively charged ions during the blow dry process, detangling and de-frizzing the fuzziest hair types, while the Inebrya Frizz-Free Spray will help tame the untameable. $47.95 www.amr.com.au

JOICO DEFY DAMAGE PROTECTIVE MASQUE This protective masque is a powerful at-home treatment that goes deep to infuse hair with a brilliant, bondstrengthening defence system. The result? Less breakage, more protection from heat styling, and hair has instant softness and shine…the kind you can see and feel on contact. $27.95 www.ozhairandbeauty.com FABCURLER

Eliminating the struggle and stress of adding va-va-voom to your hair, FabCurler is an innovative heatless curling method that promises curvaceous curls with barely any effort. FabCurler works to develop the perfect design, ensuring the FabCurler fabric is absorbent, soft, and durable. $49.95 www.fabcurler.com

OLAPLEX NO.7 BONDING OIL 30ML

Olaplex serves up the ultimate styling oil design to dramatically increase shine, softness, and colour vibrancy while repairing damaged and compromised hair; strengthening and protecting hair structure; and restoring a healthy appearance and texture. No.7 minimises flyaways and frizz, while providing UV/heat protection of up to 232°C. $49.95 www.amr.com.au

HANZ DE FUKO CLAYMATION

This high calibre styling product will always work with you, never against you. This incredible “Clay-Wax” hybrid is made with a touch of quicksand. CLAYMATION contains all natural ingredients, which means it’s good for your hair while providing powerful, “all-day” nourishment from roots to ends. $23.00 www.hanzdefuko.com

LIFESTYLE AND SLEEP

TIME IN BED SHOULD EQUAL YOUR EXPECTED SLEEP NEED

If we could bottle a good night’s sleep, it would be the best-selling supplement on the market. So, how do Aussies measure up on the scale of good sleepers? Recent research conducted by YouGov in partnership with MELOTIN MR has revealed that 50 percent of Australians struggle to fall asleep at least once or more each week. Even more alarming is the fact that close to two-thirds of the population have stated stating their poor sleep quality has caused a loss of motivation to continue enjoying the things in life that bring joy. With only 14 percent of Australians "very satisfied" with their sleep quality, half of the respondents also acknowledged that the issue didn't just involve trouble falling asleep at least weekly, but in their ability to stay asleep, which for a quarter of the sample occurs nightly and at least once per week for two thirds.

"These results indicate that unfortunately, the mental and physical knock-on effects of poor sleep can lead to more poor sleep, resulting in a vicious cycle," said Emeritus Professor Dorothy Bruck, Sleep Health expert and Sleep Psychologist. "When you are sleep deprived, your brain will become foggy, making it difficult to concentrate and make decisions based on rational things like risk and reward. In addition, a more negative mindset in those who are fatigued can make it less likely that you'll do the things that we know help with getting a quality night's sleep, such as getting outdoors in the sunshine or exercising. Sleep-related fatigue can also rob you of your ability to feel more present, positive and connected with the ones you love," she said.

The research comes as melatonin, (a naturally occurring hormone responsible for regulating one's sleepwake cycle), previously only available with a prescription, was downscheduled from prescription only to pharmacist only by the TGA on 1st June 2021. This makes it available as a shortterm treatment for primary insomnia in patients aged 55 years and older. "About half of those surveyed in the 50 to 64 age group reported being dissatisfied with their overall quality of sleep, compared to 42 percent of the total survey sample, while this age group was more likely to report a negative impact on mood and behaviour compared to other age groups” said Professor Bruck. "We now understand that getting older can result in lower nocturnal melatonin levels, meaning that melatonin can be an excellent option for older adults with low melatonin levels. In addition, these supplements can help improve sleep quality, especially in those with agerelated primary insomnia.

“The survey also showed that a bad night's sleep disproportionately affects mood in older Australians. Those in the 55+ age group reported higher rates of negative impact on mood and behaviour after a bad night's sleep than those for example, in the 18-24 age group (83 percent vs. 63 percent),” she said.

From a physical point of view, we also know that ongoing poor sleep habits can have serious and lasting impacts on our health, increasing the incidence of cardiovascular disease, weight gain, diabetes and even memory issues," explains Professor Bruck. "It's vital that you speak to your pharmacist or healthcare practitioner if you're continuing to struggle with poor sleep, in addition to practising good sleep habits."

For those struggling to get a quality night’s sleep, Professor Bruck shares her top tips:

WIND DOWN BEFORE BED

"Try and give yourself at least one hour between any stimulating evening activities and bedtime. Turn off screens that emit bright light, particularly the cool blue light that suppresses melatonin.”

AVOID STIMULANTS

"Beverages such as coffee, tea, cocoa and some soft drinks contain caffeine should be avoided close to bedtime. If you have difficulty sleeping, a good rule of thumb is no caffeine after lunchtime."

ROUTINE IS GOOD, ESPECIALLY A GETTING UP ROUTINE TIME

"Waking up in the morning at the same time will prepare your body clock to fall asleep at reasonable and similar times each night. Try not to sleep in longer than one hour past your regular wake up time on weekends. Any longer can disrupt your body clock and lead to sleep deprivation."

ENSURE YOUR DAYTIME ACTIVITIES INCLUDE SOME EXERCISE AND SOME NATURAL DAYLIGHT

"Enjoying natural sunlight will improve your sleep at night as it will help your body clock and assist healthy melatonin levels that are needed for a night of good night sleep. Earlier parts of the day are best and a great excuse to do some exercise - try and avoid highintensity activity before bed."

HOW YOU THINK ABOUT YOUR SLEEP IS IMPORTANT

"Brief awakenings are a very normal part of sleep, especially as we age. In fact, our research found that the vast majority, 94 percent of those in the 57+ age group, report wakefulness overnight Many people feel they spend large parts of the night awake, frustrated as their minds tick over, but in fact, they may be moving in and out of light sleep. Move away from feelings of frustration and relax the mind in these times. Think 'rest is good' and don't watch the clock."

TIME IN BED SHOULD EQUAL YOUR EXPECTED SLEEP NEED

"If you are a poor sleeper, do not spend longer in bed than you need for sleep, such as 7-8 hours. Too long in bed tells your body that it is OK to drift in and out of sleep. Instead, going to bed later at night may be the single best thing to help reduce your wake time during the night in bed."

NAPS CAN INTERFERE WITH NIGHT-TIME SLEEP

"Taking longer naps throughout the day or falling asleep in front of the TV can reduce your sleep 'drive' at bedtime, making you feel more awake during the night. A short afternoon nap is OK but naps longer than 20 minutes or evening naps can be a problematic pattern to get into."

ELIMINATE EXTERNAL DISTURBANCES IN YOUR BEDROOM

"If you are a light sleeper or have trouble returning to sleep, try and reduce or avoid persistent disturbances that can come from light, pets or snoring partners. Consider earplugs, eye covers and better curtains."

AVOID ALCOHOL

Many people think a glass or two of wine helps them relax and fall asleep more quickly, but the reality is that alcohol interferes with the natural sleep patterns and makes it more difficult for your body to stay in a sound sleep cycle. So in the morning, you'll likely feel tired and reach for a stimulant like coffee, starting a stimulant relaxant cycle we want to avoid.

If you're struggling with your sleep patterns, talk to your pharmacist or healthcare practitioner. It's crucial to address contributing medical conditions like sleep apnoea or nocturnal reflux. In some circumstances, that is those over 55 supplements like melatonin, the body's natural sleep hormone, can help to get your body back into its natural rhythm.