Is getting into the holiday spirit—always baking, decorating, or wrapping gifts into the wee hours—keeping you from getting into bed? You could be turning the most wonderful time of the year into the most sleep-deprived slog. “Sleep is vital for a lot of our body’s functions,” said Cedars-Sinai pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist Oragun Rojanapairat, MD. “Many people already have insufficient sleep, and during the holidays, they do extra things that interfere with getting seven to eight hours of good-quality sleep Lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes and obesity Manage your weight Boost your immune system Improve your mood You won’t drift off easily if you’re buying gifts online or writing holiday cards until lights-out. Take at least 30 minutes to relax your mind at night before slipping into bed. “Having that wind-down time helps you fall asleep,” Rojanapairat said. “Find techniques that help calm your body and stop your mind from racing. Some people do breathing exercises or meditation. Others prefer reading or doing crossword puzzles.” If you’re flagging because you slept for less than seven hours, set your alarm for a 30-minute nap. “A short power nap can help you energize, so you can function,” Rojanapairat said. “But napping too long makes it harder for you to fall asleep at night. One surefire way to release your inner Grinch is to pack your evenings with so many holiday-related responsibilities that you sabotage your sleep.
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Monday, January 20, 2025