by Ramy Abdulazziz

Created on: November 08, 2008   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

While it may seem like we were just carving pumpkins mere days ago, it does not mean you can ignore the holiday season creeping up on us. We must also always remember that our bodies are our temples and we must provide it with certain things so it can run smoothly and efficiently. Most of are guilty of denying our bodies of an essential element to our wellbeing, with the stress of the holidays some people may deny themselves the proper amount sleep needed each night, adversely affecting their energy levels, mood, memory, and focus throughout the day.

You may think the most eventful part of your midnight escapades are within the confines of the dream realm, but surprisingly you are wrong. The truth is that when you are sleeping your body is doing minor repairs to your internal mainframe so you can stay happy and healthy. If you don't get enough sleep, it will show, not only will you not have as much energy but you wont be able to focus and remember all the things you must, and no one wants to be groggy while chopping down their chosen Christmas tree, and plus the holidays are about spending time with the family, do you really want to be fighting sleep when you're talking to Uncle Lennie whom you haven't seen in three years?

Even if we try our hardest, sometimes we need a little help getting enough sleep into our busy schedules, here are some helpful tips to do just that; Remember, plan ahead! Many people wake up early a few days before the holidays, trying to gather up all the items on their respective gift lists, in doing so they lose valuable sleep time, and are not able to focus on the task at hand. Many department stores offer layaway , you can find your gifts early with no hassle or stress, and put them in layaway, picking them up whenever you need them. Not only does this prevent stress, but now the kids wont be able to snoop around and cheat you out of their surprised faces when they tear open the wrapping paper. Another tip is to avoid the temptations of caffeine and alcohol. While some may drink alcohol to relieve stress and make it easier to fall asleep, your actually more likely to sleep lighter and wake up in the middle of the night when the effects of that Pina Colada wear off, and of course we all know that under the influence of alcohol we may make large lapses of judgment which affect us adversely. Caffeine, while promising increased alertness, will only make it harder for you to fall asleep if the effects of that caffeine ridden energy drink haven't already left you in a horrible crash, leaving you more exhausted and feeling worse then before. Although naps do not substitute a good night sleep, they can help you get through your day, and can actually help you learn certain tasks quicker, but avoid taking naps later then 3 P.M. as they can interfere with your ability to sleep at night.

The holidays can bring family together and increase in prosperity, but it can also bring an increase in stress and a lack of sleep. Remember sleep is essential to our wellbeing, affecting our focus, energy, and mood. A lack of it will leave you tired and unfocused unable to seek out the items on your holiday shopping list. The holidays don't have to be stressful if you plan ahead and get enough sleep, with these at your side you'll be able to enjoy them for years and years to come.

Sources:

National Institutes of Health; National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Your Guide to Healthy Sleep. NIH Publication No. 06-5271.

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