Beauty Rest

Your body loves nighttime. When you're tucked in and snoozing, your face, hands and feet are protected from the sun, wind and other environmental stressors. Plus, most of the biological activities that repair and restore your body take place while you're at rest, says David Leffell, M.D., professor of dermatology and surgery at Yale University's School of Medicine and author of the book "Total Skin."

Studies have shown that hormone levels fluctuate when sleep patterns are interfered with, and may be linked to acne flare-ups and excessively dry skin. During the day, when you're struggling to fight fatigue, blood is diverted to your major organs and leaves your face hollow and drained.

Tips for achieving your beauty rest:

• Arrange bedroom furniture and select sheets, blankets and pillows that provide peace and comfort.
• Establish a regular wake time and bedtime.
• Rather than napping, try meditating, which offers the benefits of naps without disturbing your sleep cycle.
• Release stress by practicing deep breathing.
• Exercise at least 30 minutes a day to release stress hormones from your system.

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