5 Misting, not wiping, your skin when using toner: While misting or spraying toner on the skin may be convenient, it is important to use a wiping motion while applying it. Toners are designed to remove cleanser residue, salts, chlorides, and chemicals from tap water that may dehydrate the skin. When you mist the toner, you are diluting these chemicals. Always use an alcohol-free toner and wipe it with a cotton cloth.

Increasing dependence on gadgets and social media also leads to insomnia and other sleep-related disorders. “A demanding urban lifestyle, increased medical and psychiatric disorders, increased consumption of alcohol and caffeine, and rotating working shifts are also factors causing sleep disorders,” says Dr Falguni Parikh, consultant — internal medicine, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Andheri.
Getting less sleep affects us in many ways, including lethargy, tiredness, low productivity, obesity, diabetes and a host of other ailments. Not to mention the number of sleep disorders — insomnia, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome and psychophysiological insomnia. In recent times, there has been an increased awareness of these. “It’s good that people are waking up to the importance of sleep,” says Dr Devnani. “Poor sleep is associated with poor productivity, and sleep apnea is known to be associated with hypertension, diabetes, stroke and sexual dysfunction,” says Dr Ashim Desai, senior ENT surgeon and a specialist in sleep disorders, Nova Specialty Hospitals, Tardeo.

How to sleep better
If you’re experiencing difficulty in sleeping, or wake up feeling tired, don’t ignore the signs. According to Dr Devnani, few people report sleep problems to their physicians, resorting, instead, to home remedies or self-medication. “Sometimes, people rely too much on home remedies and, when they’re not effective, they get frustrated,” she says, adding, “Try yoga, especially yoga nidra, as it is particularly helpful. Keep good sleep hygiene — keep a sleep ritual, exercise, avoid caffeine and alcohol, or try light therapy.”
Dr Parikh seconds her view. “Maintain regular sleep and wake-up timings; avoid late dinners, heavy exercise and hot showers just before sleeping; and don’t use your laptop or other gadgets before hitting the bed,” she says. Dr Desai suggests dimming your lights two hours prior to bedtime. “Sometimes, chromotherapy (use of intense blue light) at appropriate times helps,” he says.
Some foods also help calm your body and prepare it for good sleep. “The old wives’ tales have some truth — starchy foods like rice and potatoes, herbal teas such as chamomile, tulsi and lavender, and nuts like walnuts and almonds help you sleep better,” says nutritionist Manisha Sharma. She also suggests tryptophan-rich foods such as dairy products, which also contain calcium — a known muscle-relaxant — bananas, oats and tuna.

Dr Preeti Devnani says sleep affects almost every aspect of health. "Most people don't think insomnia is a medical problem. But all patients should be telling their general practitioners about their sleep patterns. Answer simple questions: Do you have difficulty falling asleep? Do you snore? How is the quality of your sleep? Tell your doctor about all of it," she says. Dr Falguni Parikh says, "You should routinely check for the underlying treatment of thyroid, anxiety and depression, and seek professional help."