Here’s how to get better sleep with four helpful nighttime rituals to make the most of your shut eye.

Sleep is a time for your body to recharge. If you don’t get enough of it, you strain your organs and adrenal glands and compromise overall health. But it’s a matter not only of how much sleep you are getting but also of how to get better sleep and what you do to to prepare for the largely-underestimated daily event. Before going to bed, you should be taking steps to make sure you have the most efficient and effective sleep you can possibly get, boosting both your health and your beauty. Here are 4 rituals to grab onto and never let go.

1. Stop Eating…

…Three hours before bed time. By doing so, not only will you have a better sleep but will also avoid an upset stomach, bloating and weight gain. When you sleep, your metabolism sleeps too, which means digestion is slower and less efficient. If you go to bed with a full stomach, all the food you consumed in the minutes or few hours prior will digest a lot more lazily and ultimately trouble your digestive track. That is the last thing you want to do for ultimate health! Respect your digestive clock. If you get hungry before bed, instead of loitering around an open refrigerator door in a onesie, sip on an herbal tea or drink a bit of water. You’ll be glad you did.

2. Cleanse the face

If you’re the type to crash face flat onto the mattress after a long day’s work or study, only to fall asleep without cleansing your skin, you may be compromising your beauty! Your skin cells repair and renew themselves while you sleep, so it is important to get rid of any debris, residue and bacteria on your face. Use a natural cleanser without any toxic ingredients. That way, while your skin is rejuvenating itself, it has a clean template to work with.

3. Down a shot of oil

By consuming a tablespoon of olive oil before going bed, you lubricate the throat, ultimately reducing snoring. Additionally, olive oil bears a slew of benefits for the body, and many choose to let its incredible effects take action while they sleep. These perks include better digestion, reduced inflammation, more “good” cholesterol and regulated blood pressure levels.

4. Legs against the wall

Alleviate many of your troubling symptoms by propping your legs up against a wall so that they are inverted for about 5-10 minutes each night. This practice is purported to calm the nervous system, improve circulation, relieve tension, help for minor depression, relax the adrenals, calm the mind and reduce swelling. Simply lie on a few comfy cushions on the ground, with you legs straight up, propped against a wall.

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Image: erin stoodley

The post How to Get Better Sleep with Nighttime Rituals appeared first on EcoSalon.

Image: Luva Huva

EcoSalon’s best picks for sustainable sleepwear that helps you get your beauty sleep.

Our frantic search for the fountain of youth invariably ends up with hours spent gleaning beauty tips from celebrities in fashion magazines. There must be something they know that we don’t? But after one more 40-plus flawless actress professes the secret to her unlined face and radiant glow is, “getting enough sleep and drinking plenty of water,” maybe its time to downgrade your Sephora VIB status and take the advice at face value.

Increasing your daily water intake is one thing, but getting the deep restful type of sleep that results in bright eyes and clear skin is easier said than done. Experts say the key to falling into a deep and rejuventing sleep is developing a relaxing routine before bed that lets your body know its time to rest. While it’s easy to dismiss nightwear or think it is not of much importance, one of the best bedtime rituals is to slip into nightwear that is comfortable and relaxing.

With so many sustainably-made options available, why not ease into some of the most dreamiest sleepwear you can find and wake up in the morning feeling pampered and, yes, even prettier?

Image: Luva Huva

1. Luva Huva makes beautiful ethical sleepwear and lingerie handmade in the U.K. The elegant Cosette black maxi nightgown with a flattering side slit and fine spot lace detailing at the bust is made from 70 percent bamboo and 30 percent organic cotton and lace.

Image: Loup Charmant

2. Loup Charmant’s  delicate sleeveless v-neck tunic is made from the lightest organic cotton voile in a jungle print and includes a button placket and front slash pockets. Made in the U.S. and available at Barneys.

Image: Lina Rennell

3. Lina Rennell‘s luxury silk pajamas feature an amazing black Ikat cat print on a dusty rose background. Designed with a gentle and comfy elastic waist and loose fit, they are made by hand in California. Available at Beklina.com.

Image: Snoa Sleepwear

4. Snoa Sleepwear is known for their romantic, warm sleepwear for chilly nights. The best-selling Hot Toddy nightgown is made from organic bamboo fleece that hugs curves and flatters with a plunging V-neck and trumpet cuffs. Made in San Francisco.

The post Sleeping Beauty: The Best 4 Brands in Sustainable Sleepwear appeared first on EcoSalon.