Don't Let Holiday Stress Disrupt Your Sleep: 5 Tips for Restful Nights

The holiday season is a time to celebrate, connect with others, and enjoy yourself. But between shopping, cooking, traveling, and visiting with family and friends, it’s a season of extra stress. 

Unfortunately, stress and disrupted routines often interfere with sleep, and poor sleep can make holiday stress harder to handle. 

The ironic thing is that good sleep is your best remedy for combating holiday stress, boosting your mood, and helping you fully enjoy the season.

At Respacare in Bridgewater, New Jersey, Dr. Nehal Mehta and Dr. Prashant Patel want to help you get the rest you need with these five tips for more restful nights this holiday season.

1. Stick to your sleep schedule

Routine is key when it comes to getting a good night’s rest. Even during the holidays, try not to let late nights or busy mornings disrupt your usual bedtime and wake time too much.  

A consistent bedtime routine keeps your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle in rhythm, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up refreshed. 

Sticking to your sleep schedule is one gift you can give yourself this season, a predictable routine that helps you stay energized and in control during the hectic season. 

2. Build in time to wind down

The holiday rush can keep you busy right up until bedtime, making it harder to get that wind-down time your body needs to fall asleep. Give yourself a buffer this holiday season. 

Make a plan to get home at least an hour before bed, so you can relax and fall asleep faster. Use this time to change into comfortable clothes, sip on some caffeine-free tea, and read or reflect on the day. 

Small rituals can help your brain shift from the holiday hustle to mellow mode so you can sleep better.

3. Don’t overbook

It’s tempting to say yes to every invitation, but overcommitting leaves little room for rest and relaxation, not to mention the potential for burnout. No isn’t a bad word. Prioritize the events and traditions that mean the most to you, and let go of the rest. 

Protecting your time not only reduces stress but also makes it easier for you to stick to your sleep routine. The more rest you get, the more fun you can have at the events you attend. 

4. Mind your eating and drinking

What and when you eat can have a significant effect on sleep quality, leading to daytime sleepiness. Going to bed on a full stomach can cause indigestion that may make it hard to fully sleep through the night. Stop eating 2-3 hours before bed.

Alcohol may make you feel drowsy, but it often disrupts restorative sleep later in the night. Enjoy holiday treats and drinks in moderation so they don’t rob you of quality rest. 

5. Use stress management tools

While sleep is certainly one of the best tools for combating stress and maintaining wellness, it isn’t always enough. Adding stress management strategies during the day can prevent tension from keeping you awake at night, leading to insomnia. 

Try deep breathing, meditation, or journaling to help relieve some stress. Physical activity is also a good stress reducer, so hit the gym or go for a walk. 

Holidays bring joy and stress, but prioritizing sleep can help you get through. If you’re struggling with getting the rest you need, or if you want expert guidance to develop a bedtime routine, we can help. 

Call our office today or book an appointment online.