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Tips For Getting Good Sleep Over Christmas

Tips For Getting Good Sleep Over Christmas

As the festive season approaches, December quickly fills with office parties, gatherings with friends, and much-needed family get-togethers.

Yet, for those who struggle to achieve a good night’s sleep, the late-night noise, bright lights, and packed social calendars can make unwinding a real challenge for some.

Balancing hectic schedules with quality sleep and overall wellbeing often feels like an impossible task, especially during Christmas. Fortunately, Alison Jones, sleep expert at world’s leading mattress brand Sealy, has offered her top tips to help you enjoy some much-needed quality sleep this holiday season.

Create a sleep sanctuary with sound-softening layers

Blocking out external sounds is essential for maintaining a restful space during the bustling party season. By creating a sound-softened zone around your bed, you can establish a natural noise barrier to shield you from outside commotion. Layer soft, thick blankets, plush pillows, or a quilted throw at the foot of your bed to absorb noise. Heavy curtains, wall-mounted tapestries, or decorative cushions can further buffer sounds like distant music, laughter, or street traffic. Together, these additions create a cocoon of quiet, helping your body and mind stay relaxed.

Curtain off the festive lights

While festive lights add seasonal charm, they’re hardly conducive to sleep. Shield your room with blackout curtains or room-darkening blinds to block streetlights, Christmas displays, or party lighting. With 42% of people reporting disturbances from light or noise, creating a darkened environment is essential for uninterrupted rest. Strategically position your bed away from windows to avoid any stray light. If you prefer a nightlight, opt for a warm red or amber glow that’s gentler on your circadian rhythm. By minimising interruptions, you signal to your brain that it’s time for deep, restorative sleep.

Keep littles ones active so they sleep soundly

It’s not just adults who struggle to unwind during the festive holidays – in fact it’s children who often find it especially challenging. With the excitement of family gatherings and the Christmas morning anticipation, bedtime can become a battle. Keep little ones active during the day with energy-burning activities like festive baking, house decorating, or Christmas card crafting. Avoid long stretches of screen time, which can lead to restless energy and overstimulated minds. A day filled with structured activities will leave children pleasantly tired, ready for a deep, peaceful slumber. When kids sleep well, the entire household benefits, making the season even more enjoyable for all.

Avoid host burnout with a ‘wind-down hour’

Hosting can be exhilarating, but managing guests, decorations, and post-party clean-up can lead to exhaustion. With over 60% of people recognising the impact of sleep on their personal and professional lives, prioritising rest is crucial to avoiding burnout. Schedule a “party wind-down hour” as your guests leave. Instead of diving into chores, use this time to relax – dim the lights, play soft music, and swap that final glass of wine for a soothing herbal tea. This intentional shift from ‘host mode’ to relaxation helps prepare your mind and body for a restful night.

Be mindful of indulging before bedtime

The holidays are a time for indulgence, but heavy meals and sugary treats close to bedtime can disrupt sleep. Rich foods, caffeine, and alcohol stimulate the digestive and nervous systems, making it harder to settle. To avoid restlessness, enjoy festive indulgences at least two to three hours before bed, allowing your body time to digest and transition naturally into rest mode. This mindful approach reduces discomfort and boosts your chances of waking up refreshed and energised.

Maximise comfort with a supportive sleep foundation

A supportive mattress is essential for restful sleep, especially during the festive period. Sealy’s UniCased® technology, featuring reinforced edge-to-edge support, prevents sensations of rolling or dipping, providing a stable and evenly cushioned surface throughout the night. A quality mattress designed for comfort and stability helps you rest undisturbed, promoting deeper, more restorative sleep – which is essential when outside lights and noises are unavoidable.

Rather than letting December’s festivities drain your energy, these simple yet effective strategies ensure the season remains as restful as it is joyful. For more information, visit www.sealy.co.uk.  

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