Did you know that getting enough sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your health? It keeps you energized, strengthens immunity, and boosts heart health. However, with the holidays fast approaching comes seasonal changes like chillier temperatures and dryer air—both of which can keep you up at night. The 5 tips below will leave you snoozing through the holidays.
1. Insulate Your Bedroom
The festive time can leave you shivering at night! Stuff clothes and towels under your bedroom door to keep things cozy.
2. Use a Humidifier
Colder air means drier air. Dry air can interrupt your sleep or make it harder to sleep because it irritates the sinuses, like your nose and throat. If this is you, then it’s time to get a humidifier. Humidifiers moisturize dry air, keeping you as snug as a bug in a rug and fast asleep.
3. Raise the Thermostat with Caution
Around bedtime, your body’s core temperature naturally drops. If the thermostat is too high, it can mess with your body’s core temperature and lead to tossing and turning.
4. Avoid Holiday Food Before Bed
Most holiday foods are very filling and thus shouldn’t be eaten before bed. You won’t be able to fall asleep because your body will be too busy digesting. Instead, opt for a lighter snack like a banana or yogurt.
5. Use a Sunrise Alarm Clock
Sunlight helps your body know when to go to bed and when to stay awake, resulting in quality sleep. But there’s one issue—sunlight tends to be scarce during autumn and winter. Luckily, a sunrise alarm clock can help. Sunrise alarm clocks wake you up by emitting light.
6. Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule
Holidays often disrupt sleep schedules, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule helps regulate the body’s internal clock.
7. Limit Screen Time Before Bed
With all the festivity also comes an increased use of electronics. Electronics emit blue light, which can throw off your circadian rhythm.
8. Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine
Whether the holidays bring you excitement or stress, having a calming routine before bed, like reading a book or taking a warm bath, can help you unwind for a good night’s rest.
9. Manage Stress
Managing holiday stress throughout the day can help prevent it from building up and impacting your sleep. Ease your stress by taking deep breaths or by meditating.
Have a Holly Jolly Slumber
While the holidays can present many sleep challenges, getting quality sleep is possible with the tips in this post.
During the holidays, I often have issues sleeping. But the tips above have helped me a lot. Have they helped you? Let me know in the comments below.
