Get Ready for the Holidays
For all the positives of joining friends and family over the holidays, it can still be a stressful experience. Getting good sleep can make the difference between managing that stress or it managing you. Healthy restful sleep is one of the best ways to combat the stress brought on by holiday travel and hosting guests. Here's what you can do to promote good sleep this holiday season for you and yours.
Hosting Guests
In some families, holiday hosts may find their home transformed into a bed & breakfast. Hopefully you have enough beds for your guests. Whatever the challenge, preparation is key. Nail down the list of who's staying where well ahead of the holiday event. Set the expectation level of your guests, while preparing to meet their sleep needs. Avoid surprises by making sure you have a plan to respond to unexpected arrivals. Control damage to your home by keeping fragile furniture and other household items out of the way. Even consider re-orienting the common areas of your home to support heavy traffic, (that way "crazy uncle Larry" won't trip over the coffee table while regaling his captive audience about the issues of the moment.)
Here's a quick rundown of tips to promote good holiday sleep for your guests:
Holiday Road Warriors
For every host there are many guests. If you find yourself playing the latter role this holiday season, here are some tips to help protect against the sleep travails of traveling.
On the Road for the Holidays: Driving
The National Sleep Foundation has this to say about getting good sleep while driving to your holiday destination:
Even if you follow all of the above, you still may find yourself at risk of "drowsy driving." According to the National Sleep Foundation, these are signs that you may be at risk of a drowsy driving crash:
Taking the Drag out of Air Travel
Air travel may be faster, but that doesn't mean its better. Delays, crowded conditions, and shoeless check in can ruin the holidays before they even begin. Here's what you can do to help make those skies feel friendlier:
Although the holiday season can be stressful, it's important to focus on the positive themes that drive the events. Holidays are about celebrating with those closest to you and acknowledging, instilling, and perpetuating holiday traditions important to you. By "keeping your eyes on the prize" as a guest or a host, you can help make all the effort worth it.
Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/news2005-rst/3134.html
http://media.parksleepfly.com/news.php?include=134452
http://www.sleepfoundation.org
http://www.ehow.com/how_1954_prevent-jet-lag.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_3714_sleep-plane.html
http://www.ajc.com
For all the positives of joining friends and family over the holidays, it can still be a stressful experience. Getting good sleep can make the difference between managing that stress or it managing you. Healthy restful sleep is one of the best ways to combat the stress brought on by holiday travel and hosting guests. Here's what you can do to promote good sleep this holiday season for you and yours.
Hosting Guests
In some families, holiday hosts may find their home transformed into a bed & breakfast. Hopefully you have enough beds for your guests. Whatever the challenge, preparation is key. Nail down the list of who's staying where well ahead of the holiday event. Set the expectation level of your guests, while preparing to meet their sleep needs. Avoid surprises by making sure you have a plan to respond to unexpected arrivals. Control damage to your home by keeping fragile furniture and other household items out of the way. Even consider re-orienting the common areas of your home to support heavy traffic, (that way "crazy uncle Larry" won't trip over the coffee table while regaling his captive audience about the issues of the moment.)
Here's a quick rundown of tips to promote good holiday sleep for your guests:
- Be prepared for unexpected guests. Even if your home has many beds, don't assume you have enough. Invest in some portable sleep solutions, such as inflatable mattresses, folding cots, or a futon or two.
- Make sure your beds are dressed appropriately. The more care you take in providing your guests with clean comfy linens and bedding, the more welcome they will feel--and the better you both will sleep!
- Yes, guests are a great excuse to replace old mattresses!
- You'll sleep better knowing that your guests aren't suffering silently, or constantly rubbing their necks and shoulders because you consigned your old mattress to the guestroom.
- Facilitate good sleep. Whether its aromatherapy, a bed mask, soothing oceanic soundtracks, or serving comfort foods, your guests will appreciate the effort. Start the holidays early by doling out the gift of good sleep.
Holiday Road Warriors
For every host there are many guests. If you find yourself playing the latter role this holiday season, here are some tips to help protect against the sleep travails of traveling.
On the Road for the Holidays: Driving
The National Sleep Foundation has this to say about getting good sleep while driving to your holiday destination:
- Get adequate sleep. Most adults need 7-9 hours to maintain proper alertness during the day.
- Schedule proper breaks--about every 100 miles or 2 hours during long trips.
- Arrange for a travel companion--someone to talk with and share the driving.
- Avoid alcohol and sedating medications. Check your labels or ask your doctor.
- Take a nap. Find a safe place to take a 15- to 20-minute nap.
- Consume caffeine. The equivalent of two cups of coffee can increase alertness and driving performance for several hours. However, caffeine should not be relied upon for the long term.
- Plan for contingencies. Do any of your guests have special needs--medical or otherwise? Do you have enough first-aid supplies? What if your house loses power? Do your guests have flashlights just in case? Prepare for a hurricane, and hopefully it won't show up.
Even if you follow all of the above, you still may find yourself at risk of "drowsy driving." According to the National Sleep Foundation, these are signs that you may be at risk of a drowsy driving crash:
- Trouble focusing, keeping your eyes open or your head up
- Daydreaming and wandering thoughts
- Frequent blinking, yawning, heavy eyelids
- Not remembering the last few miles driven
- Drifting from your lane, tailgating and missing signs or exits
- Feeling restless, irritable or aggressive
Taking the Drag out of Air Travel
Air travel may be faster, but that doesn't mean its better. Delays, crowded conditions, and shoeless check in can ruin the holidays before they even begin. Here's what you can do to help make those skies feel friendlier:
- Reserve your seats early. Not only are you likely to get a better price, but you can also grab a window seat. (That way you'll have something to lean on for napping and relaxation.)
- Invest in a neck pillow. Even if you can't get your ideal seat, the right neck and head support can alight you to dreamland anyway.
- Hydrate. Stay clear of coffee and alcohol. Dehydration will make you more susceptible to jet lag, so drink plenty of liquids.
- Be tired before you travel. Do not nap before your flight. Have a snack, or dine during the flight. (Sleep comes easier on a full stomach.)
- Know thyself. You know what makes you sleepy. Is it non-fiction literature, warm milk, Edith Piaf? Whatever it takes, make sure you've got what you need to get those "ZZZs."
Although the holiday season can be stressful, it's important to focus on the positive themes that drive the events. Holidays are about celebrating with those closest to you and acknowledging, instilling, and perpetuating holiday traditions important to you. By "keeping your eyes on the prize" as a guest or a host, you can help make all the effort worth it.
Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/news2005-rst/3134.html
http://media.parksleepfly.com/news.php?include=134452
http://www.sleepfoundation.org
http://www.ehow.com/how_1954_prevent-jet-lag.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_3714_sleep-plane.html
http://www.ajc.com
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