Here’s how to prioritise sleep this festive season

Christmas is coming! But don’t let the festivities get in the way of your sleep health

The run up to Christmas is a time of celebration, socialising and wrapping up loose ends before the end of the year. Between Christmas parties, shopping and last minute work commitments, we’re all a little busier during this time, but it’s important not to let good sleep fall by the wayside.

Last year, research published in the Mirror found that millions of UK adults don’t get the recommended 8 hours sleep in the lead up to Christmas, and an earlier study by Propeller Research found that 53% of parents lost sleep over the holiday season.

With so much to do over Christmas, nobody wants to feel tired and run down. Here are our top tips for prioritising better sleep this festive season.

Moderate your drinking

Most people drink more booze than usual over the festive period. But don’t rely on a night cap as a sedative for getting to sleep. Too much alcohol impacts the quality of the sleep you get, causing a fitful slumber that will leave you feeling tired come morning. Try to moderate the amount you drink this Christmas without missing out on the celebrations. When you do drink, try to alternate each alcoholic beverage with water and stop drinking an hour or so before sleep.

Get up on time when you can

Sticking to a regular sleep schedule will help your body know when to be energised and when to wind down, so where possible try going to bed and waking up at roughly the same time every day. This may involve staying up later and waking up later than you would during the rest of the year, but as long as you’re getting the 7-9 hours of sleep recommended by the National Sleep Foundation, that’s ok.

Make time to relax

Being busy all the time can be physically and mentally exhausting, so make time to do things to help you unwind, such as reading or enjoying your usual hobbies. This is particularly important in the lead up to bedtime, when our bodies need to relax in preparation for sleep. In the hour before bed, avoid smartphones and bright screens, instead opting to meditate, stretch or otherwise relax.

Don’t rely on napping

You might be tempted to squeeze in a nap if you’re feeling run down during the day, but relying on naps for your sleep health can be a dangerous game. While short naps can enhance mood and alertness, long bouts of daytime sleeping can leave you feeling groggy and confused, as well as making it difficult to fall asleep at night.

Get outside during the day

Fresh air is important all year round, even in December when it’s cold and dark outside. Make the effort to get out and about to keep your body and mind alert. Natural light and fresh air help to release hormones like serotonin, which is vital for boosting your mood and energy levels during the day. Even a short walk every day can help you feel more ready for sleep in the evening.

Stay out of the bedroom until nighttime

Lying in be during the day – or worse, working from bed – can stop you from associating your bedroom purely with rest. The bedroom should be reserved for sleep, as much as possible, so even if you don’t have any daytime plans, avoid the temptation to lie in bed all day. Get up, get dressed and start enjoying the festive season.

The best sleep happens on a high quality mattress, so check out the Perks range now. You can also explore the rest of our blog for more sleep news and tips.