Holiday Sleep Loss

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

27 Dec 2007 02:02 PM

Do the holidays leave you feeling rested? Or are you tired from all the extra stuff -- the parties, the running around, the shopping, the extra commitments?

Sleep can become a problem during the holiday season. Why?

• Maybe you've got more on your social calendar.
• Maybe you've got to squeeze in shopping between work and family time.
• Maybe you've got unresolved issues with family members you'll be seeing at the holidays -- the worry and stress can cause you to lose sleep.
• Maybe you're drinking more -- parties often mean alcohol, and alcohol can interrupt your normal sleep cycle.

So what can you do? Just cut back on sleep and catch up after New Year's Day? That's one option.

If your sleep difficulties are occasional -- rather than steady -- you can try an over the counter sleep aid. You can also try an herbal remedy, like valerian root, chamomile tea, or melatonin. If your sleep problems are more serious, you may want to talk to your doctor about a prescription sleep aid. Having a prescription doesn't mean you have to take the pills every night -- but a prescription strength sleep aid may be what you need to rest easily.

Make sure your holiday schedule includes time for resting. If you've got a big party one night, make sure you have a few extra hours to relax the next day. Or set yourself a curfew -- if you have to be home by ten pm, you won't stay out until two am. You won't miss out on the fun, but you won't miss out on the hours of sleep, either!

When you are having a hard time getting going, it doesn't hurt to use caffeine for a bit of a boost. Your best bet is a cup of coffee (or other caffeinated drink) in the morning to get going and another one in the midday to beat that post-lunch energy lull. Avoid caffeine in the evenings so you aren't kept awake when you'd like to be sleeping.

Learn more about Aimee Amodio

Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover...

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