It is a source of energy for body and mind and ensures that we wake up fit and well rested after a strenuous day: a good night's sleep. A real must for a healthy and efficient organism. Because while we slumber peacefully, the brain processes the events of the past few hours and consolidates newly acquired knowledge.

The immune system also works at full speed and helps the body to fight off pathogens and gather new strength. Last but not least, the night-time rest phase also benefits beauty. The skin can recover and repair damage. With the right skincare aids and tips for the right beauty sleep, we can wake up every day feeling dewy and well-groomed.

The right amount of sleep

Eight hours for good rest: a question of time. It is important to get enough sleep so that the body can recharge its batteries. But sufficient also means not sleeping too much. If you regularly slumber for too long, you risk your health just as much as if you constantly sleep too little. This has been proven by recent studies. In both cases, the body is more susceptible to illness. Our lifespan can also be shortened if we stay in bed too short or too long. In general, a duration of 7 to 8 hours is recommended for adults. Some people get by with a little less. What time we go to bed is irrelevant when it comes to beauty sleep.

A freshness boost for the complexion

Masks for the night are a hit: effective power nourishment. In addition to classic night creams, which nourish, rejuvenate and brighten the skin with their ingredients during beauty sleep, a night mask once a week is an effective beauty aid. It is applied generously to the cleansed face and décolleté before going to bed and contains ceramides that strengthen and protect the skin. Simply massage the residue into the skin the next morning.

Intensive treatment for the hair

With rich oil care: beautiful while you sleep, right down to the ends. A damaged mane can be revitalized overnight with argan nut-based hair oil. In the evening, work a few drops into the lengths and ends of the hair and twist the mop into a loose bun for the night. In the morning, wash out with shampoo as usual.

Good night drink

Sometimes we need to fall back on little helpers: Sleep.ink, for example. The natural sleep drink with melatonin is said to shorten the time it takes to fall asleep and reduce the feeling of sleepiness. "Just as some people need coffee to start the day, Sleep.ink. helps us to get out of the day better," explains Jakop Repp, one of the three founders of Sleep.ink.

Here's how it works: Simply drink it 30 minutes before going to bed and your body will slowly switch to slumber mode. Incidentally, the desired effect is achieved from the very first use. This means that Sleep.ink does not have to be taken over a longer period of time, but is primarily intended for situational use. A 7-night box costs around 20 euros and is available here or from February in all Douglas stores.

A cozy warmth kick

A warming foot ointment with essential oils stimulates blood circulation in the tissue and heats up icy feet in the evening: rub in, put on soft cuddly socks and off you go to beauty sleep!

Sleep donor: good for beauty sleep

Darkness: The less light in the room, the more of the sleep hormone melatonin is produced.
Walk: After a long day, it helps you to switch off and fall asleep better.
Quiet: It is easier to fall asleep if it is completely quiet. Earplugs are great for blocking out annoying street noise.
Cool room temperature: Temperatures between 16 and 18 degrees are ideal for healthy sleep.

Sleep robbers: bad for a good night's sleep

Cell phone and tablet: their blue light makes the mind wide awake. A taboo just before sleep.
Heavy meals: Fatty foods are digested slowly. Bad dreams are the result.
Television: The flickering light unconsciously signals to us that we need to stay awake. Better: read.
Bad air: If it is stuffy, the night is also restless. Ventilate the room before going to bed.