The Key to Aging Well: Aesthetics Medicine Expert Dr. Olivia Beresford on Sleep Health

Sleep is something all animals need, including humans. But why? Past its purpose of resting the physical body, sleep is a critical function for humans to maintain peak health. Deep, restful sleep is fundamental for balanced physical health, cognitive functioning, and emotional well-being. When the body is resting, the brain processes information acquired during the day, storing short- and long-term memories and retaining new skills. Sleep is also an important time for repair after an injury or physical exertion. Lastly, deep sleep improves emotional regulation and resilience, leading to longer lifespans and better health outcomes. Without adequate sleep, the body succumbs to a state of extreme sleep deprivation characterized by poor concentration, decision-making, and increased risk of developing chronic diseases.

Anesthetist and longevity medicine specialist, Dr. Olivia Beresford has explored the fascinating connection between sleep, health, and beauty for several decades. She qualified as a doctor in 2001 and developed an interest in aesthetic medicine and its impact on wellness and aging after having her second son. Dr. Beresford worked as an anesthetist in the NHS prior to transitioning to aesthetics medicine in 2016. Shortly thereafter, she built a loyal client base who sought her support to discover how they could age well internally and externally.

Since opening her private practice, Dr. Beresford has expanded her knowledge of medicine, nutrition, and sleep by completing several training programs. Dr. Beresford is well-known in the aesthetics and wellness community because of her dedication to placing client satisfaction and safety first. She is an affiliated member of the Aesthetics Complications Expert Group and part of the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP), which focuses on protecting patient safety while pioneering cutting-edge treatments. Dr. Beresford is currently pursuing a Master’s in Cell and Gene Therapy at the University College London to further her expertise in the mechanisms underlying the aging process.

Since Dr. Beresford began struggling with insomnia, she tried multiple treatments to no avail. Sleeping medicine left her feeling drowsy, came with too many side effects, and didn’t provide a long-term solution.

After finishing highly-renowned sleep wellness training, Dr. Beresford discovered that the root cause of her insomnia was not being addressed. Since she made this breakthrough, Dr. Beresford has been leveraging her knowledge of sleep health and aesthetic medicine to help clients improve their sleeping patterns through Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), which corrects the unproductive thoughts and behaviors that cause insomnia. It’s through a balanced approach to nutrition, exercise, and sleep that her private practice helps individuals preserve and enhance their natural beauty.

Despite its pivotal role in health, the field of sleep medicine didn’t emerge until the 1970s. Spurred by the creation and proliferation of EEG technology, sleep medicine has since become a recognized field of study aimed at uncovering the body’s complexity. While scientists still lack answers to many questions, some mysteries have been solved. The increased usage of sleeping pills has caused researchers to seek out holistic solutions that offer more effective long-term benefits. CBT has become a popular non-pharmacological treatment for the underlying causes of insomnia.

By addressing negative thoughts and behaviors, many people can improve their sleep patterns. This has proven to be true for Dr. Beresford, who overcame chronic insomnia after using her medical expertise to address a problem she and many of her clients faced. Dr. Beresford’s interest in insomnia was originally tied to its impact on physical appearance and the aging process. After delving into this subject, she became intrigued by the psychological factors perpetuating insomnia. She attempted to use CBT to address her sleeping issues through a public program offered but saw glaring issues. The sessions were too rushed and aggressive. They didn’t accommodate her body to adapt its circadian rhythms and show real results.

Determined to leverage the power of CBT for insomnia treatment, Dr. Beresford studied several intervention methods and developed her own approach she now uses with clients. Since she has recognized the need for a more holistic approach to sleep health, Dr. Beresford is working to share her knowledge with the world.

“Sleep is something everyone needs to remain healthy and age well, but there’s little information about what they can do to optimize their rest and reduce insomnia. I want to help people become aware of sleep’s critical role in health and find ways to create a lifestyle that supports deep rest for the long term.”

Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider.