We are 3 days and 3 nights away from Christmas.  What could I possibly recommend now that would improve your appearance so quickly?

Well, rest assured, I won’t be suggesting you purchase a new makeup product, start a new exercise routine, do a new crash diet or swallow any new supplements.  In fact, I won’t be suggesting you do anything new.  I will only be recommending you do more of something you already do (at night, and I don’t mean sex.)  Yes, it will take a bit of commitment and time, but it may just help you look more attractive and healthier--by Christmas.

Have you guessed it yet?  Sleep, of course!  Thanks to the first study to give scientific support to the concept, beauty sleep is no longer a fairy tale!

In a sleep lab in Stockholm, Sweden, the faces of 23 adults were photographed after sleeping 8 hours and after being sleep deprived for 31 hours.  Then, 65 untrained and blinded observers rated the photographs with respect to attractiveness, health, and tiredness.  

Surprising results?  Sleep deprived people were rated less attractive, less healthy, and more tired, compared to when they slept well.

Make time and commit to get the beauty sleep you need, even if it’s the night before Christmas.

And if for whatever reason you just don't get the sleep you need, don't feel bad if your friends and family notice, remember untrained strangers can literally read tiredness on people's faces. Just laugh, share this article with them, and plan for next time.  Beauty sleep advice is applicable all year round.

Happy Holidays,

Dr. Shira Miller 
Los Angeles, CA


Reference Article
Beauty sleep: experimental study on the perceived health and attractiveness of sleep deprived people Full text includes before/after photos of one study subject

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