Redefining Beauty Sleep - A Guide To Restful Nights

Did you know on average, women require more sleep than men?🌛

As someone who values a good night's rest, it's important to understand what influences our sleep patterns, and make the necessary changes to help us have the great sleep hygiene and overall improved health 🌞.

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Our hormonal balance not only influences our daily well-being, but it also plays a crucial role in our sleep-wake cycle. As women undergo hormonal fluctuations throughout their menstrual cycle and life stages, (e.g. pregnancy and menopause), these changes can disrupt the circadian rhythm and increase the need for sleep 💤. 

 

The Menstrual Cycle 📅

 During the luteal phase, progesterone levels rise, promoting restful sleep. But as menstruation approaches, sleep can become elusive due to fluctuating hormones and PMS symptoms like cramps, headaches and hot flashes 🌡️.  

When you’re already dealing with PMS symptoms, every bit of comfort matters. This is when choosing breathable, skin-friendly period care like our Cottons Organic pads and tampons can actually support better rest.

 

Then There's Pregnancy 🤰

Yes, it’s the miracle of life, but it also brings many challenges including difficulty in sleep. Restless leg syndrome, overall discomfort, sleep apnea, and frequent bathroom trips 🚽 can turn what should be a time of rest into a nightly battle.

Having Cottons Organic Maternity Pads on hand can really help here—they’re soft, ultra-absorbent, and designed specifically for sensitive postpartum skin. When you’re up in the night feeding, changing, or soothing a newborn, it’s comforting to know that you are taken care of too 🌸. 

 

Let's Not Forget Menopause 🥵

This is where hot flashes 🔥, night sweats and unpredictable/erratic periods reign supreme! Perimenopause can feel like your body is rewriting the rules. One minute you're freezing 🥶, the next you're sweating through your sheets 🥵. Add the increased risk of sleep apnea and anxiety, and it’s no wonder why women can feel more exhausted than ever.

That’s where Cottons Pre-Menopause Pads come in—designed for the erratic, heavier flow that’s common during this stage. With a double winged structure for extra security and made with 100% natural cotton, they’re breathable, ultra-absorbent, and gentle on sensitive skin—so you can sleep more comfortably, even when your hormones have other plans.

Maintaining optimal room temperature 🌡️  ‎

For starters, controlling a comfortable room temperature is key, especially during hormonal fluctuations. This can enhance sleep quality by minimizing night sweats. The last thing you want is to wake up in a pool of sweat 💦 and need to change into other pyjamas.  

 

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Studies have shown that women are more sensitive to sounds at night compared to men. As someone who falls under this category, I've found that using earplugs for blocking out disruptive sounds, as well as creating a night time wind-down ritual makes a big difference.

For me, that means taking a nice hot shower, putting on clean PJs, creating a calm space —and during my period, slipping on a Cottons Organic Overnight Pad so I don’t have to worry about leaks while I sleep. These little rituals quietly signal my body it’s time for sleep.

 

While that late-night cup of coffee or black tea might seem tempting, it can wreak havoc on your sleep schedule 😵. And as for alcohol, well, let's just say it's not the sleep aid it's cracked up to be. Yes, it induces drowsiness, but it seriously disrupts overall sleep quality. If you don’t believe me, google it.  

 

We all know that regular exercise is vital for overall health with studies suggesting sedentary women are more prone to insomnia compared to active women. Even going for a 20-minute walk at the end of your day can promote better sleep. 

And because life (and periods) don’t always sync up with your schedule, I like to keep a Hermergencies kit in my bag. It has just what I need for those unexpected moments—so I never have to skip a gym session, walk or yoga class just because my period showed up unannounced. 

 

Blue light emitted by screens suppresses melatonin production and disrupts the circadian rhythm. It's tough, I know, but swapping out Netflix or scrolling on your phone for a good book 📖, listening to music 🎧, journaling 📝 or meditating 🧘 can make all the difference. 

Partners' sleep behaviors, such as snoring or sleep apnea can significantly impact sleep quality 😴. Encouraging your partner to seek professional evaluation and treatment can benefit not only yourself, but your partner’s health too! 

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Prioritizing sleep isn't just about getting enough hours in bed; it's about understanding and respecting the intricate dance of hormones, life stages, and individual needs that influence our nightly rest 🌜. 

Let's embrace the power of a good night's sleep, not just as a luxury, but as a fundamental pillar of self-care 🌸. Here's to nights filled with deep, restorative sleep and days brimming with vitality and purpose.

Sweet dreams! 😴 xo