When I was a teenager, I always argued for “10 more minutes” at bedtime to talk to a friend or polish my fingernails or waste time in a variety of different ways. I still find myself stealing those extra 10 minutes, which in no time become 30, as I put dishes away, read another chapter of that bestseller I can’t put down, or check Instagram one more time. (I’ve actually put off sleep until midnight just to be the first person to wish a friend Happy Birthday on Facebook.)
When I don’t get enough sleep, my body craves it. My skin feels it. I look tired. Even my emotional wellbeing suffers. I’ve got less energy and am definitely more emotional.
A recent study in the UK noted that people who sleep only six hours a night are prone to larger waistlines -- in fact, about 3mm larger than people who get nine hours a night. It’s no surprise. I reach for sugary comfort foods and skip working out when I’m tired. Study after study say the same thing: adults need 6-9 hours of sleep a night for our physical and emotional wellbeing.
In need of better sleep?  Here are some tips that have helped me:

1. Set a bedtime and stick to it every night.  Be realistic.
2. Get into a routine. An hour or so before bedtime, start getting ready. Change your clothes. Wash your face. Put on your moisturizer. (I use GENIE Dream Cream Instant & Intense, Day & Night Moisturizing Treatment.)  Wash your feet with a relaxing lavender soap. Make yourself a cup of non-caffeinated tea., like Chamomile. Once you’re ready for bed, move to a room other than where you sleep and enjoy your favorite TV show or book or catch up with emails. Dim the lights. This is wind down time.
3. Keep smartphones, tablets and laptops out of your bedroom or at least, out of reach. Too much temptation. Too much to get your mind going. If you use your phone as an alarm, put it in spot that makes it difficult to quickly decide to check the weekend’s weather forecast.
4. Make your bedroom a place to relax.  No matter what your budget, you can create a space that’s really conducive to sleeping. Eliminate the clutter. Choose a mattress, pillows and blankets that are soft and comforting. Select window treatments that diffuse outside lights and noise. Use a sound machine or low fan if you don’t want the room to be too quiet or need air circulating.
5. Wake up around the same time every day. Create a morning routine too!  On those days I don’t get enough sleep, I take my GENIE H’eye’drator Eye Cream out of the fridge and apply it right after I shower. The cooling sensation works wonders. I follow up with my GENIE Full Coverage, Line Smoothing Concealer to hide my tired dark circles.

Make yourself and sleep a priority!
Sweet dreams Beauties!