The Highlight Issue 12 'Brighter Days Ahead'

W hen it comes to a healthy sleep pattern, seven to eight hours per night is the recommended guidance we’ve been accustomed to follow. But with a reported 40 per cent of women * more likely to be diagnosed with insomnia than men, our schedules aren’t quite on par for a perfect night’s sleep. So, why do women experience lower quality sleep? And do we really need more hours than men? “Hormones can profoundly affect our moods and appetites, and they can also play a big role in how much sleep we are getting each night, plus the quality of our sleep,” explains Dr Nerina Ramlakhan, sleep and energy expert and author. “Our body produces over 50 different types of hormones, each of which plays a vital role in regulating biological functions.” *’Do women need more sleep than men?’, May 2022, Sleep Foundation So, how can women achieve better beauty sleep? Dr Ramlakhan shares her expert advice: 1. Don’t skip breakfast 2. Cut back on caffeine 3. Stay well hydrated INSIDE OUT