No season is busier than the holiday season. With shopping, gift wrapping, cooking, and traveling, it can feel like there’s no time for anything else. During these hectic weeks, you may put sleep on the back burner due to a busy schedule and increased stress levels. To achieve better sleep during the holiday season, learn to relax and find comfort no matter where your plans take you.
How Stress Impacts Sleep
Stress and sleep quality are closely intertwined. You may lose sleep because you’re stressed out, or be stressed due to lost sleep. The holiday season often amplifies stress due to increased responsibilities, events, travel, and more.
According to the American Psychological Association, stress can prevent many adults and teens from getting the sleep they need to stay healthy. Forty-three percent of adults report lying awake due to stress in the past month, while forty-five percent feel very stressed if they do not get enough sleep.
Even minimal sleep deprivation can affect memory, judgment, and mood, while chronic sleep deprivation can contribute to health problems like obesity and high blood pressure.
To manage holiday stress and obtain higher quality sleep, consider strategies such as writing down your to-do list, eating healthily, and exercising.
How Traveling Impacts Sleep
Traveling over the holidays can be stressful, especially across time zones. Jet lag can disrupt your normal sleep cycle and make it difficult to catch up on sleep while vacationing. For days, your body may signal sleep and wake times at unusual hours. Regulating your sleep and finding comfort anywhere is key for better holiday rest.
How To Get Better Sleep While Traveling
Preparing your body for travel helps maintain your sleep cycle. Consider these tips:
- Ease into the new time zone a day or two before your flight by adjusting wake-up and bedtimes.
- Avoid caffeine or other sleep-altering substances while flying, especially at night.
- If you’re not sleepy when you should be, drink tea containing melatonin or chamomile.
- Keep yourself engaged; a bored mind makes it hard to stay awake when tired.
- Reset your watch to the new time zone before or during your flight.
- If sleeping on the plane, use a neck pillow for proper support.
If driving instead of flying, lower your car seat for legroom, use a soft pillow, a blanket for comfort, earplugs if needed, and a sleep mask to block unwanted light. For example, a comfortable travel pillow can help.
How To Sleep Better As A Guest
Hosting or being hosted can impact sleep quality. Guests may face unfamiliar beds or couches. To sleep better as a guest, try these tips:
- Use mattress toppers on air mattresses or floors for extra support.
- Lay sheets on air mattresses, couches, or futons to create a more comfortable sleeping surface. (Sheets and futons)
- Bring your own pillows and blankets for comfort.
- Optimize your sleeping environment: draw curtains and adjust the thermostat.
Eat, Sleep, and Be Merry
The holidays are both stressful and cheerful. To sleep better, relax with loved ones and enjoy the festivities. Following these tips helps you sleep soundly regardless of schedule or location.
If you are hosting guests this holiday season, visit your local Mattress Warehouse to speak with a sleep expert and give the gift of great sleep.