As the festive season approaches, for some, the air is filled with excitement and joy, but for others it maybe a stressful or lonely time. However you're feeling about the holidays, amidst the merriment, twinkling lights, and holiday cheer, one aspect often gets relegated to the background: sleep. The hustle and bustle of the festive period can bring about a myriad of challenges for our sleep routines, leaving us feeling tired and drained rather than rejuvenated.
Whatever your Christmas season might look like, here's 6 tips to help you get restful nights during the holiday period....
1 ) Get Up At The Same Time Everyday
Hopefully many of us will have at least some time off over Christmas, or some lucky ones even have the whole period between Christmas Eve until New Year's without having to get up and go to the office or laptop. If your usual schedule is thrown up into the air, try and get up around a similar time each day (regardless of what time you go to bed) to keep your sleep schedule and circadian rhythm regular.
2 ) Don't Fall Asleep On The Sofa
After you've had a big lunch and are settling into the sofa to watch the late afternoon Christmas film, it can be SO tempting to pull on a blanket and close your eyes for 10 minutes, which can often turn into a few hours! Unfortunately this will reduce your sleep drive, meaning it will be harder to fall asleep at bed time and your quality sleep over night maybe disrupted. So if you feel like you're nodding off on the sofa, enlist the help of family members to give you a nudge to stay away or even better, get up for a few minutes, move around and do something else to feel awake again.
3 ) Wait 2-3 Hours Between Finishing Eating And Bed Time
During the festive season, where indulging in delicious holiday feasts is almost a tradition, waiting 2-3 hours between eating and hitting the hay can significantly contribute to a more restful night's sleep. When we consume large meals close to bedtime, our bodies divert energy to the digestive process, potentially disrupting sleep patterns. Waiting a few hours after eating allows the digestive system to efficiently process the food, reducing the likelihood of discomfort or indigestion that may disturb your sleep. Additionally, giving your body time to metabolize the festive treats can help regulate blood sugar levels, promoting a more stable and conducive environment for a peaceful night's sleep. So, while the temptation to indulge in a late-night snack may be strong during the holidays, giving your body that digestion-friendly window can make a noticeable difference in the quality of your sleep and ensure you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to enjoy the festive cheer.
4 ) Switch To Non-Alcoholic Drinks Where You Can
Switching to non-alcoholic drinks during the Christmas period can be a game-changer for your sleep quality. Alcohol, though often associated with holiday cheer, can disrupt your sleep patterns. Opting for non-alcoholic alternatives ensures that you're not introducing sleep-interrupting elements into your system. Beyond aiding in better sleep, these alternatives also support overall well-being. Non-alcoholic options are typically hydrating and won't deplete your body of essential nutrients, leaving you more refreshed come morning.
5 ) Go For A Walk Outside In The Mornings
Engaging in a morning walk or outdoor exercise routine isn't just about breaking a sweat; it's a powerful strategy for enhancing your sleep quality. Exposure to natural light, especially in the morning, helps regulate your body's internal clock, influencing your sleep-wake cycle. Sunlight exposure stimulates the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood and wakefulness, while also suppressing the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin. By incorporating outdoor activity into your morning routine, you're not only boosting your energy levels and promoting physical well-being but also signaling to your body that it's time to be awake and alert. This natural synchronization with your circadian rhythm can contribute to more restful nights, making morning exercise a potent ally in your quest for better sleep.
6 ) Don't Worry If You Have A Bad Night's Sleep Away From Home
It's completely normal to experience a hiccup in your sleep routine when staying with friends or relatives away from home. The unfamiliar environment, different bed, or simply the excitement of being in a new place can disrupt your usual sleep patterns. The key is not to let a single restless night set the tone for your entire visit. Instead of dwelling on a less-than-perfect night's sleep, view it as a temporary glitch. Resetting and getting back on track the next night is crucial. Embrace the adaptability of your sleep routine and focus on creating a conducive sleep environment, whether it's adjusting the room temperature, bringing familiar sleep aids, or establishing a calming pre-bedtime ritual. By allowing yourself the flexibility to reset after an off night, you'll be better equipped to enjoy your time away while promoting a more restful and rejuvenating sleep experience.
I'm Amy, a Holistic Sleep Coach and Sleep Consultant Practitioner for adults. I help people improve their sleep to feel and perform at their best, using The Good Sleep Method.
If you are looking for 1-1 tailored support to get a better night's sleep and boost your energy levels, book a call with me to get started.
You can read more about me here.
Follow me on Instagram @thegoodsleepmethod
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