Study Shows “Beauty Sleep” Vital to Attractiveness (Plus Some Good Sleep Aids)

beauty sleepIs “Beauty Sleep” a myth or a reality?  If you want to look attractive and healthy, the best thing you can do is get a good night’s sleep, according to recent research from the British Medical Journal

For the first time, say the authors, there is scientific backing for the concept of beauty sleep.

The study that was led by John Axelsson from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, investigated the relationship between sleep and perceptions of attractiveness and health. The authors believe this research is important in today’s 24 hour society with the number of people increasing who are suffering from sleep disorders and disturbed sleep.

23 participants between the ages of 18 to 31 took part in the study. They were photographed between 2pm and 3pm on two occasions, once after normal sleep and once after being deprived of sleep. Smokers were excluded from the research and no alcohol was allowed for two days prior to the experiment.

The photographs were taken in a well-lit room and the distance to the camera was fixed. During both photography sessions participants wore no make-up, had their hair loose (combed back if they had long hair) and underwent similar cleaning or shaving procedures. They were asked to have a relaxed, neutral facial expression for both photos.

Sixty-five observers, who were blinded to the sleep status of the subjects, rated the photographs for attractiveness and whether the individuals looked healthy or unhealthy and tired or not tired.

The results?  The observers judged that the faces of the sleep-deprived participants looked less healthy, less attractive and more tired.  The study authors then concluded that the facial signals of sleep deprived people can be very telling – affecting their appearance, their attractiveness and how healthy they look.

A comment from the blog author Nutrition Breakthroughs: To preserve your “Beauty Sleep” and attractiveness at those times when you’re experiencing insomnia or sleeplessness, try taking some natural minerals to soothe you to sleep.

A popular example of this is Sleep Minerals II from Nutrition Breakthroughs.  This natural sleep aid contains highly absorbable forms of calcium and magnesium, which are the best minerals for sleeplessness and insomnia, as well as for heart health, restless legs syndrome, bone strength, menopause insomnia and teenage insomnia.  It comes in a softgel form for rapid and complete absorption.

Wendy R. of Honolulu, Hawaii says: “My friends know that I’ve had chronic insomnia for a long time. Surprisingly, I received the Sleep Minerals II and began taking it and found this thing really works. In the past if I ever got a good nights sleep I’d say ‘I slept like a baby’, but that’s the wrong comparison. Those little guys get up every two hours. I am actually beginning to sleep like an adult — a much-rested adult.”

To learn more, visit the Sleep Minerals II page.
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Source: The British Medical Journal: http://www.bmj.com/content/341/bmj.c6614

The big sleep: Canada’s dangerous love affair with tranquillizers (sleeping pills)

From Canada.com — Public angst over the abuse of painkillers is overshadowing what Canadian researchers say is an even more pressing problem: the nation’s growing love affair with sleeping pills (also known as “hypnotics”).

The number of prescriptions dispensed for benzodiazepines (a group of sedative and relaxant drugs) and other sedatives, jumped to more than 20 million in 2011, from 16.4 million in 2006, according to market research firm IMS Brogan.

Use of one drug alone — zopiclone, one of the so-called “Z” drugs — nearly doubled over the same period, from 2.9 million prescriptions, to five million in 2011.

Prescriptions are mounting as new and controversial research from Canada and the U.S. is tying sleeping pills to an elevated risk of an early death.  (A note from the blog author: The British Medical Journal reported the results of a study in the U.S. that found receiving hypnotic prescriptions was associated with greater than a three-times increase in hazards of death, even when prescribed  at less than 18 pills/year.)

The drugs are intended for occasional, short-term use only, but observers say it’s not uncommon for doctors to hand over prescriptions for a month’s supply, with six or 12 repeats, increasing the risk of dependence and, in the case of benzodiazepines, a potentially “horrendous” withdrawal.

“People who start these drugs need to know that you could end up in a long-term medical adventure,” said Canadian drug policy researcher Alan Cassels.

Comment from the blog author Nutrition Breakthroughs: This health news is provided by http://www.NutritionBreakthroughs.com, maker of the effective natural insomnia remedy Sleep Minerals II. Sleep Minerals II is used successfully by many people all over the world, including Canada, the U.S., United Kingdom, Australia, and other countries.

Sleep Minerals II is a potent natural alternative to sleeping drugs.  It contains highly absorbable forms of the best minerals for sleep and relaxation: Calcium and magnesium, along with Vitamin D and zinc. The ingredients are delivered in a softgel form with healthy carrier oils, making them more easily assimilated than capsules or tablets and providing a deeper, longer-lasting sleep.

Wendy R. of Honolulu, Hawaii says: “My friends know that I’ve had chronic insomnia for a very long time. Surprisingly, I received the Sleep Minerals II and took it and I actually slept. This thing really works. I wanted to say, its funny, but people know I have insomnia and once in a while a co-worker will ask me how I slept. In the past, if I ever got a good nights sleep I’d say “I slept like a baby”, but that’s the wrong analogy. Those little guys get up every two hours. I am actually beginning to sleep like an adult — a much-rested adult.”

For more information on Sleep Minerals II visit https://www.nutritionbreakthroughs.com/sleep-minerals-ii-effective-natural-sleep-aid-for-insomnia-nutrition-breakthroughs/

Article Source:  www.Canada.com  http://www.canada.com/health/sleep+Canada+dangerous+love+affair+with+tranquillizers/6924323/story.html