Posted on: November 15, 2025
Let’s face it—those magical 7 to 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep (the kind that makes you wake up looking like a glowing goddess) often feel like a far-off dream. For many of us, they’re as rare as spotting a unicorn. In fact, about 45% of Canadians aged 18 to 49 report getting less than 6 hours of sleep a night (source), and 1 in 4 women struggle with insomnia (source). So, if you’re tossing and turning, rest assured—you’re not alone!
But what exactly is "insufficient sleep"? According to the Mayo Clinic, it could mean taking over 20 minutes to fall asleep, waking up multiple times during the night, or rising too early and being unable to drift back into dreamland.
Why does this matter?
Sleep deprivation impacts more than just how you feel—it can affect how you look. Think dull skin, dark circles, and wrinkles—the very things you might spend endless time and effort on trying to “cover up” and “conceal”.
Sleep is when your body repairs and rejuvenates itself, so skimping on it slows down that natural healing process. It’s too bad that the facial you just booked is not getting the attention it deserves!Beyond the obvious dark circles, poor sleep isn't just a cosmetic issue—it can lead to some serious health concerns like weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease. And the plot thickens:
1. One study found that insomnia can increase the risk of depression by a staggering four times!
2. And interestingly, women struggling with sleep tend to report depression alongside it far more often than men.
( Sleep disturbances and depression: risk relationships for subsequent depression and therapeutic implications )
Common Sleep Saboteurs
So what’s keeping you up at night? Here are the usual suspects:
- Caffeine
- Sugary snacks and low protein
- Alcohol
- Exercise
- Social jet lag
Recognize any of these? Don’t worry—there’s plenty you can do to take back your beauty sleep.
Paola’s Expert-Approved Sleep Routine
Here are some simple, science-backed steps to create your own sleep sanctuary:
- Set the mood with the “right” temperature, lighting and sound
- Take a warm Epsom salt bath
- Sip calming tea
- Meditate
- Turn off devices
The Bottom Line
Your path to restorative beauty sleep starts with identifying what’s holding you back and making small but impactful changes to your routine.
By addressing these common saboteurs and embracing healthier habits, you’ll be on your way to waking up refreshed, radiant, and ready to take on the day.
Which step will you try tonight?