Night-time routines to help you get some rest

Beauty

And so to sleep…

By Kate Duggan

Night-time routines to help you get some rest.

Switch off screens

It’s all too tempting to scroll through Instagram in bed, but try to resist. The blue light emitted from screens can interrupt your natural sleep-wake rhythm. Even if your phone has a night-time filter, screen-time can still make it harder to relax and fall asleep. Try downloading an app that blocks social media and other distractions at night.

Cleanse the day away

We tend to see makeup removal as a chore, but it doesn’t have to be. Cleansing is an act of self-care and can help to release stress and tension. Look for a balm that can be massaged into your skin and easily removed with a damp muslin cloth. Bad Habit’s Omzzz Acai Nightly Cleansing Balm (£18, uk.morphe.com) is a good choice as it boosts moisture levels and has a calming lavender fragrance. For an extra soothing treat, try a heated face mask. Sensory Retreats Divine Glow Self-Heating Face Masks cost £15 for three from www.sensoryretreats.com.

Use a night cream

Night creams tend to be richer than day moisturisers. They often contain ingredients best used at night (such as retinol) and are designed to boost skin cell renewal. For best results, look for one that’s targeted at your age or skin type. No7, for example, offers three different formulations – Protect & Perfect Night Cream for women aged 35-45, Lift & Luminate (45-60) and Restore & Renew (60+). As an added bonus, each one now contains Boots’ Pre-Sleep Fragrance, which smells gorgeous and is designed to promote a better night’s sleep. They’re available from £24.95 at www.boots.com.

Block out the light

While children might need a nightlight, adults usually sleep much better in the dark. Darkness sends your body a signal that it’s time to rest and it increases your melatonin levels. If you need to sleep during the day, try using a sleep mask. The Tiffy & Tallulah Sleep Mask (£9, www.tiffyantallulah.com) is made from vegan-silk. Not only does it block out the light, it also feels really comforting. Plus, it helps your skin to stay hydrated.

Relax

Does your mind keep racing while you’re trying to sleep? Try guided meditation: www.calm.com and

www.thecalmsleep.com

are a good place to start if you’re new to meditation. Or, if you struggle to meditate, try www.brain.fm, which offers music specifically designed to help your mind relax into sleep.

And breathe…

People have been using the power of aromatherapy for centuries. Add a few drops of essential oil to an electric diffuser half an hour before you want to sleep. You could make your own blend of calming aromatherapy oils, or just pick up a ready-made one. Alexandra Kay’s Time to Sleep Pure Essential Oil Blend (£20, www.greenpeople.co.uk) features seven sleep-inducing essential oils, including lavender, bergamot and frankincense. Together, they work to calm your senses and prepare you for sleep. (Plus, the blend smells divine.)