How to sleep better: Experts share five simple sleep tips for people over Christmas
Getting quality sleep is crucial for maintaining our wellbeing, yet it is often overlooked during the busy Christmas period.
The holiday season can bring significant disruptions to our regular sleep patterns, particularly when staying away from home or participating in lively evening celebrations.
Poor sleep can impact our ability to fully enjoy the festivities and spend quality time with loved ones. With unfamiliar surroundings, different bedding, and changes to our usual routines, many people find themselves struggling to get proper rest during this time of year.
Sleep experts from Woolroom have provided five tips for people to do over the festive season to help them get the restorative sleep they need.
Prepare to sleep away from home
It is very common for people to stay at friend’s and family’s houses during Christmas, but this could unsettle our sleep pattern because we are in an environment we are unsure of.
The experts advised: “Consider bringing along a few home comforts. Your favourite pillow or cosy blanket could help bring a sense of familiarity to your night and help you sleep more soundly”.
Keep naps short and sweet
The sleep experts said: “If you do find yourself needing time to recharge during the day, try to limit your naps to 20 minutes or under, and avoid napping after 3pm. Longer or later naps could set your sleep schedule back and leave you struggling to drift off when Santa’s sleigh is overhead.”
Find the optimal room temperature
Many of us will have gone from the freezing outside to a boiling room at some point this winter. Finding the optimum room temperature is paramount for when we get under the covers.
The experts recommended: “Aim for an optimal temperature of 18 degrees for the best sleep. Your body naturally cools as you sleep and an overheated room can interfere with this and result in lighter sleep.”
Stay active during the day
The sleep specialists said: “For many of us, Christmas is about getting comfy on the sofa and enjoying your favourite festive films under a warm winter blanket. However, regular movement is so important for your overall health, but especially your sleep quality.
“Even a brisk walk or some simple yoga movements and stretches can help balance hormones and prepare your body better for sleep over the festive season.”
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Prioritise natural materials
Having natural materials on our skin such as cotton, linen or wool is excellent at managing moisture, regulating temperature and is naturally hypoallergenic, helping you to sleep undisturbed.
The experts said: “Wool has been scientifically proven to transport moisture away from the body 43 per cent more effectively than polyester. This is why I would always advise avoiding synthetic and non-breathable bedding at all costs, as these materials are more likely to have you waking feeling hot and sweaty in the night.
“If you are staying somewhere where you cannot control your bedding, make sure to pack pyjamas made from natural breathable fabrics, like cotton or linen. As with organic cotton or natural fibre bed linen, pyjamas made from these materials will work in harmony with your body to keep you dry and comfortable.”