by Mandi M.

Created on: November 10, 2008   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

The holidays are an exciting time filled with laughter, love, and twinkling lights. It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of shopping, parties and dinners. We often spread ourselves too thin and end up stealing hours from our sleep time and re-designating them for wrapping presents or writing holiday cards. If you want to feel energized this holiday season then there is one present you can give yourself that is ok to open up early, the gift of sleep.

One of the most important things you can do is to make sure that your bedroom is a peaceful haven associated with rest and relaxation. Ideally it should be dark, quiet and comfortable. Block out as much light as possible. Melatonin is a natural hormone that is very beneficial to the body. Your body can only produce melatonin efficiently in total darkness, so wearing only an eye mask is not enough as light may still fall on other parts of your body. Keeping your room as dark as possible will allow proper melatonin production and improve not only your quantity and quality of sleep but also improve your body's immune response.

With the amount of dinner parties usually attended during the holiday season this next one may prove a bit tricky. Try your best not to eat or drink large amounts before bedtime. A big meal can keep you awake at night as your poor bloated stomach is on turkey overload. Swap a heaping plate of food for dinner for significantly smaller portions with the addition of a small low-protein, low-fat, high-carb evening snack. Enjoying a healthy snack will hold the munchies at bay and help tap into the soothing effects of serotonin.

Treat yourself to a cup of caffeine free herbal tea about an hour before bed time. Most well known is Chamomile, but you can also search your health food store for Kava kava with it's relaxing effect or Passionflower which is remarkable at taking the edge off of frayed nerves. Sip your tea while putting your feet up and relaxing without going over to-do lists, tidying or putting last minute decorative touches on the gifts. Prepare your body for sleep by allowing yourself to unwind before slipping under the sheets.

As busy as your schedule is try to keep your regular exercise routine or at the very least bundle up and take a walk around the block with the dog during the day. Exercise keeps you healthy, allows you to breath in some (hopefully) fresh air, and gets you moving when you are feeling sluggish. However, try not to do any rigorous activity at least 3 hours before bed as this may signal your body to ramp up when it should be winding down.

Do your best to give your body and mind the sleep it deserves. You will have more energy, be in better health and spirits and able to enjoy yourself fully with your family and friends this holiday season.

Learn more about this author, Mandi M..
Click here to send this author comments or questions.