Even if you usually sleep well, the excitement, fun, and stress that come with the holidays can make getting a good night’s sleep somewhat of a challenge.
Most people already lead busy lives, and whilst they are fun, the holidays can add to that already bursting schedule. With the parties, late nights, guests, and presents to buy, that’s before you even start on the extra cooking, eating and drinking. So, it is no wonder it can affect your sleeping pattern.
Why is sleep important?
Even the cheeriest of people can turn into the Grinch when they don’t get enough sleep. This is hardly surprising as sleep is vital to our health, well-being, and mood. When we sleep, our body and mind can relax and recharge, which can help reduce stress and ward off sickness and disease. In this blog, we look at how to have better sleep during the holidays.
Get organised.
It can be tempting to leave everything until the last minute. However, as the list of things to do gets bigger, it will likely increase stress and make sleeping difficult. Creating a list, organising what needs to be done, and ticking things off, as they are completed can help you avoid overwhelm and give you the feeling that you are making progress.
Don’t feel like you have to do it all.
Sharing some of the workloads will help you to relax and switch off, ready for a good night’s sleep. The holidays should be fun for everyone, and there is no shame in sharing the workload and asking for some help. Delegating tasks can make a massive difference to your stress levels, and most people, including children, will be happy to lend a hand. If you are having guests over for dinner, they will probably be more than happy to bring something.
Keep regular sleep and waking times.
Whilst it can be tempting to burn the midnight oil and make up for it with a lie-in, it often makes it difficult to get to sleep the next night. Regular sleep will help you relax at the correct times, as your body and mind will be naturally tired from the day.
Get some exercise.
Many people struggle to get to sleep at night. A recent survey shows that over 18% of sleepers take 15-30 minutes to nod off. Exercise and daylight are both great for sleep, and by taking exercise and getting outside, you can improve your mood, reduce stress levels and make it far easier for you to get to sleep when your head hits the pillow.
Don’t go crazy on the alcohol.
Alcohol often seems to go hand in hand with the holidays. Even though alcohol can make you sleepy, studies have shown that while it makes you tired, it also leads to disturbed sleep, leaving you feeling less than refreshed in the morning. So, you are far more likely to get a better night’s sleep during the holidays if you have just a few drinks than if you drink large amounts of alcohol.
Have a calm bedtime routine.
There can be lots of noise and excitement during the holidays, making sleep far more difficult than normal. Give yourself time to wind down and relax before you try to go to sleep. Turning off the electronics such as the TV, games and phone and reading a book or just sitting quietly for a while is a great way to wind down.
Whilst the holidays are fun, to allow you to enjoy them and feel at your best, it is essential to take a little time for yourself to keep you relaxed and ensure you get the vital sleep you need.
