There are so many car wrecks during the holidays, and
alcohol alone is not always the problem. Sleep deprivation and alcohol make a
lethal mix. Having a designated driver who doesn't drink is the most important safety measure. If you drink, moderation
is always best year round, but it is especially important during the holidays
when people go to so many parties and everybody is exhausted.
These holiday sleep tips apply equally to children and
adults. Adults can do these things for themselves, but parents need to make
a special effort to help their children avoid holiday exhaustion. It's the most exciting time of year for kids. That's great,
but all that stimulation means they can have a hard time getting to sleep at
night and feel cranky the next day.
Take care of yourself – The most important tip is to pay
attention to how you're feeling. If you notice that you're feeling tired,
you don't have to stay that way. You can take small steps to sleep better.
Take naps – If you take a 15-minute nap before
heading out the door to a holiday party, it can make a world of difference in
how you feel.
Exercise – Don't forget to exercise during the holidays. Try
to continue your normal exercise routine. If you can't do that, at least take a
short walk.
Say no to a few parties – Give yourself permission to say
no to some parties, even just one. Instead, spend a quiet evening at home and
go to bed early. Sleeping normally for even just one night can make a big
difference to how you feel for the next few days.
No evening drama – Do your best to keep stress from
boiling over into emotional conversations in the hour before bed. You'll sleep
better, and you'll be in better shape to take care of the issue the next
day.
No rich foods late – Try to stop eating all that rich
holiday food at least two hours before bed time. Your stomach will settle and
let you sleep better.
No technology in the bedroom – A recent Wall Street Journal article described
how so many people are now routinely using their bedrooms as an extension of
the office that furniture makers are marketing adjustable beds and other
furniture that caters to that way of working. This is extremely bad for you. The bedroom needs to be a place of rest. You'll sleep
much better if you shut off everything – laptop, cell phone, tablet, e-reader – and don't even allow it in your bedroom. Simply avoid the temptation.
