The excitement, preparation, and planning to have the perfect Christmas and New Year can chip away from the joy you feel on Christmas Eve and morning. The late-night jitters can leave you in a state of sleep deprivation that may steal the happiness of celebrating Christmas from you. But fear not, because the team of OnlyMyHealth spoke to Dr Sibasish Dey, Head of Medical Affairs, South Asia, ResMed, to suggest some tips that can help you prevent sleep deprivation from stealing your Christmas joy.
Lack Of Sleep In Holiday Season
According to a survey conducted by SleepCycle in 2018, Parents sleep less and drink more during the holidays.
“Overlooking the significance of a restful night's sleep during the festive season is an all-too-common error. Sleep is necessary for a healthy mood, weight control, and stress reduction, among other things. While getting enough sleep over the holidays can be challenging, it's not impossible,” suggested Dr Dey.
However, why does this phenomenon happen? Dr Dey explains why:
- Stress And Irregular Schedules: Stress levels might rise, and routines can be disturbed by the holiday rush, last-minute shopping, family get-togethers and Christmas parties, which can make it difficult to get some shut-eye.
- Overindulgence In Food: Holiday meals might cause discomfort and indigestion, impacting your sleep quality.
- Anxiety And Expectations: Anxiety and trouble sleeping may be exacerbated by the holidays if one is experiencing sentiments of loneliness or monetary difficulties.
How To Prevent Sleep Deprivation During Christmas
“Remember that amidst the joyful celebrations, your sleep patterns might face some hurdles,” said Dr Dey. He listed some tips to help ensure you awaken your best these holidays.
Eat, Drink, And Be Merry…But Know Your Limits!
“It’s common to feast on food and get a bit ‘jolly’ with too many drinks during the holiday season. While indulging in delicious treats and sipping on seasonal spirits is part of the fun, it's crucial to know your limits,” said Dr Dey.
He recommended that you should avoid eating too much right before your bedtime as your body needs a few hours to digest the food. This could lead to sleep disruption and discomfort. Similarly, drinking too much alcohol can disrupt deep sleep and cause a more restless night of sleep, leaving you feeling fatigued in the morning.
Keep To Your Usual Wake-Up Time
The holidays frequently mean late evenings spent at parties and family get-togethers. Dr Dey explained, “Even though it can be tempting to stay up late, getting enough sleep each night depends on keeping a regular wake-up time.”
Sleeping late means waking up late, which in turn disrupts your body clock, leaving you drowsy and exhausted. “If you intend to remain up late, make an effort to wake up at the same time every day. This improves sleep hygiene and helps maintain the balance of your body's internal clock,” prescribed Dr Dey.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
There are better ways to get sleep than tossing and turning till you finally pass into a restful slumber. One method can be to implement relaxation techniques into your bedtime routine.
Dr Dey suggested, “This can be as simple as taking 15 minutes to practise deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga. These methods can help calm the mind and relax the body, making it easier to drift off into a peaceful sleep.”
Also Read: The Dark Side of Night Owls: Sleeping Late Can Put You At Risk Of Early Death And Chronic Diseases
Dr Dey concluded on the note that sleep deprivation can creep into your life like a silent Grinch, stealing your vitality and energy, and preventing you from enjoying the Christmas spirit to the fullest. However, employing the above-mentioned tips can help you enjoy the festive period to the fullest while ensuring a well-deserved rest each night. So here's to a season filled with joy, relaxation, and nights of rejuvenating sleep.