Are Naps The Secret To Good Skin?

You know what they say: when all else fails, take a nap. And honestly, this seems like the motto to live by, as many people seriously swear by them. So much so, that a handful of renowned companies like Google and Uber have implemented "nap rooms" in their headquarters for their employees to catch a midday snooze (per Inc. Magazine). Since naps are linked to higher productivity, creativity, reduced anxiety, and overall improved mood, it's no surprise many people (workplaces included) would give the green light to the little noontime siestas.

And when it comes to the physical upsides of taking a nap, you may be left wondering if there is any truth behind the term "beauty sleep." Sure, you may look better after a full night's rest, but some may find the connection between taking a quick 30-minute nap and good skin a little flimsy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average adult needs a minimum of seven hours of sleep per night. So how can hitting the hay for a quick catnap do anything for the skin? The answer may surprise you.

Naps are beneficial for many reasons, but when it comes to the skin? Gamechanger. In fact, you don't even need to be snoozing for an extended period to reap all the benefits. YeloSpa director Aisling O'Shea told Yahoo! Lifestyle, "A daily nap for just 20 minutes will regenerate skin cells, helping skin look clear and even." This is because, according to O'Shea, "sleep helps rejuvenate your skin by producing growth hormones which renew old cells."

And those growth hormones, according to men's prestige skincare company Otis Skincare, also boost the production of collagen, which helps your skin give a lit-from-within glow. And what also comes with collagen? Firm, hydrated, and wrinkle-free skin. Not only that but when you nap, your blood flow increases, which can be a healthy contributor to revitalized skin.

While napping like a baby isn't guaranteed to give you a baby-smooth face, the benefits may be greater than the effects of lack of sleep, which can make your face appear puffy, swollen, saggy, and sad, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Getting those seven or more hours of beauty rest every night is incredibly beneficial and recommended. Still, a small catnap in the middle of the day also works wonders, especially if you didn't get enough sleep the night before. 

Beauty sleep on its own does wonders for the skin and body, but there are things you can implement into your skincare routine to make the most of your midday nap. This includes washing your face and moisturizing it so that your skin can rebuild its cells peacefully without fighting any makeup or bacteria on the skin. However, if you're taking a midday nap, chances are, you aren't going to want to dive into a full-fledged skincare routine. This is especially true if you don't want to over-wash your face, which is possible.

Instead, look toward how you sleep and the pillowcase you use to help your skin during your catnaps. If you're a stomach or slide sleeper, you may want to switch it up since sleeping on your face for an extended period can cause wrinkles. Instead, lay on your back as much as possible, with a few extra pillows under your head for elevation, so that common sleep issues like snoring and acid reflux don't interrupt your beauty sleep. Also, reach for a pillowcase made of silk to protect that gorgeous skin. Your hair will also benefit from it! A total win-win.