Gail Gilman, Family Life Consultant, M.Ed., C.F.C.S. and Professor
Emeritus, University of Minnesota
Getting an early start on holiday tasks and doing a little each day cuts
stress. Many people sacrifice sleep in order to complete all their
shopping, decorating, cooking and other holiday preparations. A lack of
sleep can reduce your ability to enjoy the season.
To best enjoy the holiday season, anticipate and budget the extra time
needed to carry out your holiday “to-do” list. Getting an early start and
doing a little bit each day will save time and relieve stress. Delaying
your “to-do” list until the last possible minute not only leads to sleep
loss, it also makes one contend with heavier street traffic and more
aggressive crowds in stores.
Following are holiday season 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 for 15 to 20 minutes.
* Do not 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 are at evening holiday parties, don’t have too much alcohol
or caffeine. Both can inhibit your normal sleep pattern.