With the Christmas season in full swing and the big day just around the corner, you may be feeling like you’re in the middle of a marathon and running out of steam. Office and community parties, family gatherings, longer lines at the grocery store and having kids home for Christmas break can all be dominoes that seem to line up so well, until one little thing knocks them all down. That one thing can be lack of sleep, stemming from staying up late to wrap gifts, getting up early to cook, stress from hosting family and friends, and tackling all of the other things that come with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. You may tell yourself you can just get through it until after the new year, but truthfully, your lack of sleep may very well catch up to you long before then. Here are just a few of the areas affected by lack of sleep:
- Decision making
- Problem solving
- Behavior and emotional control
- Increased risk-taking
While these may be the short-term effects of a few nights of sleep deprivation, there are serious long-term effects on your health that are of concern. Research has shown that sleep deficiency over time has been linked to many chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, obesity and depression.
Knowing that good quality sleep is vital for your mental and physical health, quality of life, and safety, give yourself the gift of sleep during the holidays by prioritizing rest. While this may seem impossible, you can follow a few tips to get you on the right track to being intentionally and authentically you, even in the busyness of the holiday season.
- Even though you may be off work and your children may be out of school, try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
- Avoid heavy or large meals within a few hours of bedtime.
- Spend time outside every day.
- Take a hot bath or use relaxation techniques before bed. If you are not used to meditation, this may be a good time to take up the practice!
- Keep in mind what is important. Focusing on the reason for the season can help you de-stress and keep things from getting in the way of a good night’s sleep!