FIVE Ways You Can Get Better Sleep During the Holiday Season

The holiday season is almost always busy. There are meals to plan, parties to organize, gifts to buy, family gatherings to attend, the list goes on and on. Plus, if you’re going to be hosting any of those gatherings, you’ve got to clean up the house, especially if you just spent time wrapping gifts or the cat pulled the Christmas tree over.

Don’t get us wrong; the holidays really are the most wonderful time of the year, but for many of us, our duties and activities are nearly doubled. This can take a real toll on our mental and physical health. With so much to do, it can be difficult to get a good night’s sleep, which, of course, makes everything harder.

Fortunately, there are simple things that you can do to help ensure that you get better sleep during the holiday season. Here are a few of them:

1. Stick to your regular sleep schedule. We put this one up top because it is probably the most important. No matter how much is on your to-do list, do everything you can to stick to your regular sleep schedule, even during the holidays.

2. Make the most of your time. The holiday season may already be upon us, but it’s also pretty long. You’ll have time to do everything as long as you make effective use of the time you have. That means planning to get things done in an efficient manner, getting ahead of gift buying or sending out holiday cards, doing food prep in advance of that big dinner party, you name it. Just don’t let these activities cut into your sleep schedule.

3. Stay active. We know it’s cold, it gets dark earlier in the day, and when it’s 20 degrees and dark outside you don’t want to go for a run. But there are plenty of ways to stay active, even when you’re cooped up indoors. Work on indoor projects around the house or get in your steps at the mall while you’re shopping for gifts. Now might be the perfect time to start taking advantage of that gym membership. Staying active will help you fall asleep more easily and get more restful sleep each night.

4. Don’t overload your personal schedule. The holiday season brings with it a lot of demands on your time, so be realistic about what you can actually do. Split holiday chores—and holiday joys—with everyone in the family so that no one has too much on their plate.

5. If you suffer from sleep problems, get help. The other four tips on this list will help you get better, more restful sleep no matter who you are. But many people suffer from obstructive sleep apnea and other sleep problems that make getting a good night’s sleep nearly impossible without help. Fortunately, Blacker Family Dental is not just your friendly neighborhood dentist; Dr. Blacker is also a Kansas City sleep specialist who can help you get a great night’s sleep this holiday season. Just call (816) 763-8400 to learn more or click here to schedule an appointment today!