How to Sleep Well This Christmas Regardless of Age

Age has a lot to do with this.

Babies are indifferent to the whole thing as they don't understand what's going on.

Kids love Christmas with all its excitement and the surprises waiting for them under the tree. While teenagers see it as the time of year when they get that item they have wanted all year.

The magic of Christmas diminishes and changes when we become adults. The happiness now comes from seeing your kids and family react to your presents.

No matter how you regard Christmas, it ALWAYS changes your normal sleep routine, potentially causing some serious disruption.

We have broken down how to maintain a sleep routine during the holiday period depending on a broad age group.

Babies:

• Consistent Routine: Maintain regular sleep schedules as much as possible, despite holiday events. While a baby's sleep routine is changeable depending on their mood (new parents know what I'm talking about), trying to maintain a consistent routine will be beneficial in the long term.
• Create a Soothing Environment: Soft, warm lighting can help create a cosy and peaceful atmosphere, making it easier for your baby to relax and fall asleep.
• Limit Stimulation: Minimise exposure to bright lights and loud noises during bedtime routines. White noise machines can help create a calming environment, as does gentle music with a slower tempo and soothing melodies.
• Watch Sugar Intake: While it may be the time of year for sweets and special treats, be mindful of introducing these sugary treats close to bedtime. Younger babies won't have this problem as sugar shouldn't be introduced into their diet until they are over the age of one.
• Comfortable Clothing: Dress babies in comfortable sleepwear suitable for the temperature to ensure a good night's rest. Check the tog levels on the different layers of your baby's clothes and sleepwear to ensure they aren't too hot or cold.

Children:

• Stick to Bedtime Routine: Similar to babies, keep a consistent bedtime routine even during the holidays to help signal sleep time.
• Limit Screen Time: The temptation to allow your kids to stay up watching Christmas films can be very real. Reducing screen time before bed is the best idea as screens can interfere with sleep patterns.
• Encourage Relaxation: Read holiday-themed stories together before bed. It promotes relaxation and also helps strengthen the bond between you and your kids.
• Avoid Late Sugar Consumption: Sugary treats at Christmas are mandatory! But do try and minimise sweet intake closer to bedtime to stop any sugar rushes at inopportune moments.
• Maintain Physical Activity: More active play during the day will promote better sleep at night. By getting your little cherubs to run themselves into a deep sleep!

Teenagers:

• Set Boundaries on Screen Time: Encourage teenagers to reduce screen time before bed to improve sleep quality. This may be harder than you imagine as screens now follow teenagers around at all times.
• Manage Holiday Stress: You might not realise that teenagers can get stressed around this time of year, so help teens manage stress during the festive season and prevent it from affecting their sleep.
• Limit Caffeine Intake: Encourage moderation in consuming caffeinated beverages, especially later in the day.
• Regular Exercise: Getting some teenagers to exercise can be an uphill battle, but encourage regular physical activity to aid in better sleep patterns.
• Create a Relaxing Pre-Bedtime Routine: Establish calming activities before bedtime, such as reading or listening to soothing music.

Adults:

• Prioritize Self-Care: At such a stressful time of year, promote better sleep, and manage stress through mindfulness, meditation, or relaxation techniques.
• Moderate Alcohol Consumption: Being the time of year full of merriment and fun, drinks may be flowing freely. Be mindful of your alcohol intake, as it can disrupt sleep patterns.
• Stick to a Sleep Schedule: Even with socialising, office parties and maybe even some last-minute late-night shopping, you should try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule despite holiday festivities.
• Create a Restful Environment: Ensure the sleep environment is conducive to rest - comfortable bedding, suitable room temperature, and minimal noise.
• Limit Heavy Meals Before Bed: Avoid heavy or rich meals close to bedtime, as they can disrupt sleep. Not only by being rich and heavy in the stomach but also because of the potential for severe heartburn and other uncomfortable conditions.

Elderly:

• Regular Sleep Schedule: By aiming for a consistent routine, even with the holiday activities, sleeping well shouldn't be too much of an issue.
• Limit Daytime Naps: Napping is a luxury older people have earned. But it's best to avoid excessive daytime napping to encourage better sleep at night.
• Ensure Comfort: If you are in any discomfort, such as pain or temperature issues, it could disrupt your sleep.
• Encourage Relaxation Techniques: Practice relaxation exercises or gentle activities to promote better sleep quality. This could be some simple meditation, breathing exercises, or reading a good book in a comfy chair.

Remember, while the holiday season can be busy with all its twinkling lights, running out of wrapping paper, late-night shopping and forgetting to get pigs in blankets, getting good sleep is essential for your health and well-being, regardless of age.