The festive season is upon us! From twinkling lights to festive feasts, it’s a time to celebrate, indulge, and create wonderful memories with loved ones.
However, amidst all the joy and indulgence, it’s easy for our sleep routines to take a back seat. Late nights, extra glasses of bubbly, and rich holiday treats can leave us feeling less than refreshed when it’s time to return to work in January.
The good news? With a little mindfulness, you can enjoy all the season’s pleasures while still waking up energised and ready to take on the New Year.
Let us explore some simple tips to help you balance festive fun with feeling your best.
Sleep Challenges During the Festive Season
Christmas and New Year celebrations often bring changes to our usual routines. Staying up late for parties, indulging in festive treats, and enjoying a drink or two can all impact the quality of our sleep. While it’s tempting to “catch up” on missed sleep with long lie-ins, this can throw off your body clock, leaving you groggy rather than refreshed.
Our top tips for feeling refreshed this festive season
- Celebrate mindfully - keep alcohol in check: A festive toast is part of the fun, but alcohol can interfere with the deeper, restorative stages of sleep. To minimise disruption, try to finish your drinks at least two hours before bed and balance them with plenty of water. Staying hydrated will help you recover faster and feel more refreshed the next day.
- Go easy on midnight snacks: Who doesn’t love a festive nibble? While it’s tempting to indulge in rich treats late at night, heavy snacks can disturb your sleep. Opt for lighter options like a handful of nuts or a square of dark chocolate to satisfy cravings without sacrificing rest.
- Avoid oversleeping: After a late night, it’s natural to want to sleep in, but long lie-ins can disrupt your body’s natural rhythm. Instead, aim to wake up within an hour of your usual time, even after celebrations. This consistency will make it easier to fall asleep and wake up feeling refreshed.
- Take a festive power nap: Feeling tired during the day? A quick nap can work wonders. Keep it short - 20 minutes is ideal - to recharge without affecting your nighttime sleep. And, for the ultimate comfort, wrap yourself in a cosy wool duvet, which helps regulate your body temperature for a perfect nap.
- Create a relaxing sleep sanctuary: After a day of celebrations, give yourself the gift of calm. Dim the lights, switch off screens, and unwind in a soothing environment. Soft, natural bedding can make all the difference, and a lavender-scented pillow spray or candle can add a touch of tranquillity.
Celebrate, rest, repeat
The festive season is a time for joy, connection, and celebration. Sleep is an essential part of that balance, helping you feel energised to make the most of every moment. By being mindful of your body’s needs and making small adjustments, you can wake up ready to enjoy all the season has to offer - and step into the New Year feeling your best.
A toast to rest and renewal
As the clock strikes midnight this New Year’s Eve, let’s raise a glass not just to health and happiness, but also to the power of good sleep. A well-rested you is a brighter, more energetic you - ready to take on 2025 with enthusiasm.
For more tips on sleep and well-being, keep an eye on our blog or subscribe to our podcast series. Here’s to a restful and wonderful holiday season!
From all of us at Devon Duvets, we wish you a joyful festive season and a very Happy New Year!