Tips for a better nights sleep while getting into the Holiday Season

As we are quickly approaching the holiday season, our stress will continue to grow and we will most likely lose some of our beloved sleep! We are here to give you some tips on how to get through the Holidays!

Why Our Sleep Is Disturbed During The Holidays: To get everything done that we normally have on our schedules, then adding on all the holiday plans...we tend to fill our days to the max. In turn we will end up staying later than normal due to the excitement and obligations of the season. Many of us will travel during the holidays, even if it is close it still adds more stress! Some of us will travel out of state and then there will be time change that can disrupt our normal sleep schedules

What Are The Effects Of Holiday Sleep Deprivation: The effects of holiday sleep problems can vary greatly from person to person. Some people allow the excitement, stress or hurried pace of the holidays to over stimulate them during the hours before bedtime and they will find they are simply too stimulated to sleep. Others will have no trouble falling asleep, but will wake multiple times during the night and have trouble falling back asleep.

Sleep Loss During The Holidays Has Consequences: Functioning with less sleep can have big consequences. It maybe harder to enjoy the season because in turn you maybe more stressed, irritated, and caught up in the moment from the lack of sleep. You may not be able to fully enjoy each moment.

How Can You Enjoy The Holidays While Getting The Sleep You Need?


Here are a few more sleep tips!!

• Take time to relax in the evening. Giving your brain time to calm down before bed will help you sleep better.

• Stick to your regular sleep/wake schedule. Customary pre-sleep rituals, such as a warm bath or a few minutes of reading, can also help ensure you get a good sleep.

• Plan ahead for holiday activities. Set aside time to wrap gifts, decorate the house, or plan your holiday menu.

• If you become drowsy while driving, pull off into a rest area and take a short nap -- about 15 to 20 minutes.

• Don't eat a heavy meal before bedtime. This can cause heartburn or discomfort that can make it difficult to fall asleep or disturb your sleep.

• When you're at evening holiday parties, don't have too much alcohol or caffeine. Both can inhibit your normal sleep pattern.

* For more information check out the National Sleep Foundation at http://www.sleepfoundation.org/