4 Tips for Better Sleep During the Holidays

Here are 4 tips for getting a good nights sleep during the hectic holiday season.

1. Don't Skip Meals

You might think that skipping a meal during the day will lead to weight loss, but the truth is that skipping meals is more likely to make you overeat in the evening. The later you eat, the harder your body will have to work to digest your food which will in turn throw off your normal sleep pattern. It's better to eat regularly throughout the day to give your body plenty of time during the day to digest all your food properly which will free your body up to calm your system down when it needs to sleep.

2. Don't Overdo the Party Foods

The holidays inevitably mean lots of holiday parties, whether it's at work or with friends. But be careful to not overdo it on high-fat foods that are so commonly served at these parties. It's best to eat a light meal before you go to the party, so that you will be less likely to indulge in these party favorites. Nibble only on those foods that you truly like and be sure to drink lots of water as well. If you don't overdo it at the party, you'll be able to get to sleep faster and avoid staying up all night with heartburn or indigestion.

3. Don't Rely on Processed Foods

It may be tempting to rely on cold cuts, frozen dinners and other processed foods during the busy holiday season, but these types of foods are usually loaded with sodium which will only raise your blood pressure and cause you to become dehydrated. Instead, plan ahead what you'll eat that week and do your grocery shopping early. This way you'll have all your ingredients on hand when it's time to cook dinner. There are lots of quick and easy, healthy recipes that you and your family will love. Invest in a good cookbook or simply go online and search for recipes like these and your body will thank you for it. Not only that, but a healthy diet means a more restful sleep for you as well.

4. Don't Overdo the Caffeine

Your favorite Starbucks drink might give you a caffeine boost in the middle of the day but remember that you can continue to feel the effects of that caffeine for up to 12 hours. If you're suffering from restless sleep or insomnia, try switching to a soothing cup of herbal tea instead. Chamomile, which acts like a mild sedative, is a good one to try.