Seven Tips for Better Sleep for the Holidays

snimageThis post has been sponsored by Sleep Number. All opinions are our own.

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is winding up. Everyone is finishing up their last minute shopping and gift wrapping, cooking and baking for holiday get-togethers, and trying to calm the anticipation of the holidays in themselves and their kids. While this is one of the most festive times of the year, it is certainly not one of the most restful. In order to have the happiest and healthiest holiday season possible, it’s important to get great sleep to keep your body in peak form.

With all of the activities and tasks that are on our to-do list, it can be difficult to get the sleep that we need throughout the days leading up to the holidays. Sleep Number wants to help us all rest better and has some great tips and products to help you give yourself and your loved ones the gift of better sleep.

Stay organized. Have trouble drifting off at night because of all of the thoughts rushing through your head about the things that you need to accomplish? End your day by writing a to-do list for the next day. It will help you ease your mind about the tasks that need to be done and feel more relaxed that you aren’t forgetting anything important.

Stick to a schedule. For adults and children alike, having a consistent sleep schedule is important. Staying up too late and waking too early can wreak havoc on your body’s internal clock, making it harder to fall asleep at a reasonable time. Try your best to avoid late night events for the most restful sleep schedule.

Create a routine. Creating a bedtime routine for everyone helps to signal to your body that it’s time to shut down and rest. Set a specific schedule for both yourself and your kids as you count down to bedtime. Turn off screens, shower, dress for bed, brush teeth, and then take some time to wind down.  Incorporating things like white noise can also be a help to let your body know that it’s bedtime.

De-stress regularly. Stress causes sleep disruptions and sleep disruptions cause even more stress. Break this vicious cycle by finding ways to help leave your stressors behind as you climb into bed for rest.  Get a massage, spend time with friends and loved ones, or take time to enjoy hobbies and activities that you love to de-stress.

Light up your life. Start your day with plenty of bright light! Winter days are often dreary and it can make it hard to wake up. Bright light will help you to wake up and boost your mood for a great start to your day. Alternately, dimming the lights in the evening will help you to start to relax and prepare for a good night’s sleep.

Travel smart.  Holiday travel can cause lots of issues with sleep. Be sure to get a good night’s sleep before you travel and try your best to stick to a normal schedule while you’re out of town. Traveling with a familiar item like your own pillow or cozy blanket can help you to recreate your normal sleep environment anywhere you go. Also, be sure to stop and rest regularly when on long car trips to avoid drowsy driving.

Make your sleep space work for you. Having the right mattress and bedding goes a long way to a good night’s sleep! Sleep Number beds allow you to adjust the firmness of your mattress so that it’s perfect for you. And dual controls let couples choose the firmness that is customized for each of them, making sure everyone sleeps well.  Look toward Sleep Number’s Winter Soft Sheet Set and In Balance Blankets to complete the equation for a perfectly cozy night.

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Your holidays will be even more enjoyable when you’re refreshed and rested from a great night’s sleep. These tips and even more can be found on Sleep Number’s blog, Twitter, and Facebook pages. We hope you’ll take the time to share the gift of better sleep with your loved ones this holiday season!

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