Written By Keysha Davis
Are you getting enough sleep? It’s a question that we as a society have become obsessed with. The general consensus is that we’re not getting enough of it. So, consequently, we’re investing in quality mattresses, luxury pillows, and installing apps to track how many precious hours we amass each night. And while to the uninitiated, it may seem a little excessive, there is good reason for this obsession. In recent years we’ve been presented with an endless stream of statistics and information from sleep specialists, and health advisors stating unequivocally that sleep impacts every facet of our health and wellbeing.
In a nutshell – good sleep matters. From stress reduction, cell renewal, immune health, and yes, even healthy hair growth – getting the right amount of zzzs is paramount to function at our very best. In celebration of World Sleep Day on March 14th, we provide you with tips on how to get a good night’s sleep, as well as ace your nighttime haircare routine with Afrocenchix.
Why Sleep Matters for Healthy Hair
There are so many benefits to prioritising a good night’s sleep. A top notch sleep routine reduces your risk of chronic health conditions like high blood pressure, and diabetes. It also improves your well-being and helps with weight management. Experts recommend that adults get between 7-9 hours sleep per night, but due to the fast-paced society we’re living in, most admit that it’s a struggle to clock even the suggested minimum.
Did you know that sleep impacts your hair health as well? Follicle regeneration occurs when we’re in the land of the nod, meanwhile, growth hormones are activated during our deep sleep phase. Conversely, sleep deprivation impacts hair growth hormones like estrogen and melatonin and it minimizes blood circulation to the scalp. When we consider all of the above, it’s difficult to ignore just how crucial sleep is.
Additionally, trichologist Abolore Adekoya highlights the role of sleep in hair health, stating that hair follicles are made of protein, and during sleep, protein building is at its peak for repairing and growing damaged hair. Source: Sleep.com. "How to Give Yourself Healthy Hair While You Sleep." [Link to article]
Tips for Better Sleep
According to statistics published by NHS Inform, around 1 in 3 of us struggle to get to sleep or to stay asleep. Long-term ramifications aside, persistent lack of sleep will impact your day-to-day life, leading to tiredness throughout the day, lack of concentration, and mood swings. So how can we ensure we achieve our recommended 7 to 9 hours? See below for tips:
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Set a Sleep Schedule
Rather than just leave bedtime hours to chance, set a non-negotiable sleep schedule to ensure that you get your recommended sleep time. For instance, if you have to be up at 6am in the morning, you should be settling down to sleep no later than 10pm. In time, this will become your set sleep pattern so your body will start to wind down naturally during the allotted time.
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Limit Screen Disruptions Before Bed
The blue light emitted from electronic devices like phones, tablets, and laptops can interfere with your body’s natural sleep cycle. To promote better rest, switch off gadgets at least 30 minutes before bedtime. Additionally, enable ‘Night Shift’ mode (or an equivalent blue light filter) on your phone to reduce exposure to stimulating light. For uninterrupted sleep, activate ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode to silence calls, notifications, and alerts while you rest.
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Cut out the Caffeine
Implement a cut-off point for caffeine-based beverages like tea and coffee, which you should try not to drink later than early afternoon. Instead, before bedtime, drink herbal-based teas like chamomile and valerian root to help you relax.
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Activate The Wind-Down Zone
Sleep hygiene is the practice of daily habits that are conducive to a good night’s sleep. So, think hot baths infused with lavender oil, guided meditations, reading before bedtime. All of these activities are renowned for helping your body relax to induce restful sleep. You can also look into using supplements like magnesium and B vitamins to aid your sleep.
Nighttime Routine With Afrocenchix
Curating an effective nighttime hair care routine will also help in the pursuit of good sleep. See below for some top tips:
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Massage Scalp Before Bedtime- Massaging your scalp before you sleep will not only stimulate your scalp, but it will also induce relaxation. Use a nourishing natural oil such as Afrocenchix Restore Oil Strengthening Oil, which is a lightweight formula that delivers softness and shine to the hair without weighing it down.
- Detangle Gently – Use a wide-tooth comb Like the Afrocenchix Biodegradable Detangling Wide Tooth Comb or fingers to remove knots before styling.
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Moisturise & Seal – Apply a hydrating leave-in like Afrocenchix Smooth Natural Moisturising Cream to replenish moisture. Follow with Afrocenchix Seal Oil to lock it in at night to leave your hair feeling super soft when you unravel in the morning.
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Install a Nighttime Protective Style- A nighttime protective style is essential for maintaining your curls or coils while you sleep. Without protection, friction between your hair and your pillow can cause tangling, dryness, and breakage. By installing a protective style before bed, you’re safeguarding your strands, reducing manipulation, and ensuring you wake up with hair that’s easier to manage.
Choosing the Right Protective Style for Your Hair Type
Different hair types benefit from different nighttime protective styles.
Here are some options:
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Chunky Braids (Great for Type 3 & 4 Hair)
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Reduces shrinkage and keeps curls elongated.
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Helps retain moisture overnight.
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Two-Strand Twists (Perfect for Type 3B-4C Hair)
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Prevents tangles and knots.
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Enhances curl definition for the next day.
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Pineapple Method (Best for Type 2-3C Hair)
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Keeps curls loose but contained to prevent frizz.
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Works well for maintaining wash-and-go styles.
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Bantu Knots (Ideal for Type 3C-4C Hair)
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Protects against breakage and preserves curl definition.
Can double as a heatless styling method for the morning.
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Cover your Curls
Once your hair has been prepped for bedtime, cover it with a satin bonnet or scarf to protect it as you sleep. Satin helps to retain the hair’s smoothness as well as protect against friction to reduce breakage.
Want to wake up with soft, moisturised curls? Discover Afrocenchix’s natural haircare range here. We’d love to hear about your nighttime routines. Share yours with us on Instagram or TikTok using the hashtag #AfrocenchixSleepCare
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