The holiday season can be a mixed bag. It’s a season of never-ending whirlwind of activity- family gatherings, shopping sprees and late night Sherehe’s. While this time of the year celebrates togetherness with family and friends it is also one of the most sleep deprived seasons.
Between changes in routine, holiday cocktails with friends and tempting treats, your sleep schedule can take a big hit. Getting adequate shut-eye will help you deal with all the holiday stress while keeping your immune system strong and with a few adjustments, you can navigate the chaos without sacrificing your shut-eye.
Here’s how the season affects your sleep and what you can do to stay rested and refreshed.
Travel
The holiday season is one of the biggest travel periods of the year. Whether you’re catching a plane, taking a long drive or riding the SGR to pay a visit to loved ones we don’t normally see that often, travel often throws a big wrench into your typical sleep schedule. If you’re travelling abroad for the holidays you may end up with a jet-lag, a temporary sleep disorder that is caused by travelling across more than two time zones. Getting a good night sleep before you fly, staying hydrated on the plane and adjusting to your schedule as soon as you can once you arrive at your destination, can help you recover from jet lag more quickly.
Traveling may also entail spending a night or two at a hotel or a family member’s home and sleeping in unfamiliar places like hotel rooms or guest room can throw off your sleep schedule. Aiming to stick to your regular schedule can help. Taking a warm shower, using sleep masks and earplugs can help you rest better when you’re away from home.
Money Worries
Financial stress during the holidays can take a toll and money worries over buying gifts, travel expenses and buying supplies for holiday dinners and bbq can mess with your sleep. And with the recent economic difficulties most of us are stressed about finances now more than ever. By setting up a spending budget, sticking to it and carefully deciding on the purchases you want to make, looking for accommodation deals you can keep your spending in check while reducing your stress load over the holidays.
Depression and Stress
The holidays to some can be one of the most stressful times of the year. Those who work in the retail industry, for example work more hours during the holidays and in an increasingly fast paced environment in response to all the holiday shopping. This can induce stress. Grief, loss and social anxiety during the holiday season can also trigger anxiety and mood issues. Stress and anxiety contribute to pre-bedtime racing thoughts and tension making it difficult to fall asleep. To help quiet the mind, leave a notepad by your bedside table so you can jot down any to-do items. Meditation, exercise or backing off any commitments that are overwhelming can help you manage your stress so you can rest well during the holidays.
Excess Alcohol intake and Food
The holiday season often brings festive gatherings, hearty meals and celebratory cocktails. It is understandable people want to forget their diet during detty-December but overindulgence in alcohol and food can negatively impact your sleep leaving you tired and sluggish. Excess alcohol often consumed to relax and unwind and while it may initially help you fall asleep, it interferes with the overall quality of your rest. As your body metabolizes alcohol, it causes a rebound effect waking you up frequently during the night. Also consuming large quantities of food, particularly fatty and spicy dishes can lead to indigestion and acid reflux making lying down uncomfortable. Tip: enjoy holiday treats and alcohol but aim for moderation. Try to finish two or three hours before bedtime to give your body time to digest.
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