7 Tips to Help You Sleep Better During the Holidays
- By Kylie
- Update 2025/12/18
1,020 words, 5 minutes read time
Every December feels like a mix of excitement and exhaustion. You’re wrapping gifts, answering messages, catching up with friends you haven’t seen in years — maybe even traveling across time zones.It’s meant to be a joyful season, but somewhere between family dinners, year-end deadlines, and late-night shopping, sleep quietly slips down the list.
I used to think holiday tiredness was just part of the season. But over time, I realized it’s not the shopping or traveling that drains us most — it’s that our minds don’t slow down, even when our bodies beg for rest.
Why Holiday Stress Hurts Sleep
Holiday stress doesn’t shout; it hums in the background. It’s that small voice reminding you of unfinished to-do lists, last-minute gifts, and plans that don’t quite fit together.
When stress builds, your body releases cortisol — the hormone that keeps you alert and “ready.” It’s helpful when you’re running errands, but not when you’re trying to fall asleep.
According to a 2025 report by Stellis Health, holiday-related stress can also weaken your immune system and interfere with normal sleep cycles. The constant “go-mode” — shopping, traveling, and socializing — raises stress hormones that make it harder to fall and stay asleep.
(Read the full article here.)
And while the holidays are full of joy, they’re also packed with overstimulation:
Late-night dinners filled with rich food and desserts
Endless social plans and family gatherings
Heated rooms and dry indoor air that make breathing harder
By the end of the week, you’ve had fun — but you’re running on less energy than before.
What I’ve Learned About Holiday Rest
A few years ago, I noticed a pattern: during the holidays, we trade rest for routine. We give our energy to others — to family, to work, to celebration — and forget the simplest gift to ourselves: recovery.
And here’s what I’ve learned — improving sleep doesn’t always mean sleeping longer; it means sleeping calmer. I started changing a few small things, and they made a noticeable difference.
Small Habits That Help You Sleep Better During Holidays
1. Keep a gentle rhythm.
Even if your schedule shifts, try to wake up and go to bed around the same time.
Your body likes patterns — they tell your brain when it’s time to rest.
2. Slow down before bed.
Turn off the bright lights, put your phone aside, and give yourself a few quiet minutes.
Stretch, read, or just breathe — this helps your body recognize it’s time to slow down.
3. Watch your evening habits.
A glass of wine or a big meal can make it harder to fall into deep sleep.
Try moderation instead of restriction — it’s the key to balance.
4. Take short walks during the day.
Even light movement helps your body process stress and improve sleep quality.
A brief walk after dinner can do wonders for your body’s rhythm.
5. Breathe through your nose.
Winter air and heating can dry your throat, making nasal breathing harder.
Keeping your nose clear — or using small tools like nasal strips or mouth tape — can help you wake up feeling more refreshed.
They’re tiny reminders to breathe naturally, even in stressful times.
(Learn more about nasal breathing here.)
6. Create calm in your space.
A cool, dark, and quiet environment makes it easier for your body to rest.
If the air feels too dry, a small humidifier can make a big difference.
7. Let go of perfection.
It’s okay if the wrapping paper isn’t perfect or dinner runs late.
You’ll remember the laughter far longer than the little details.
A Reminder Before the Year Ends
The holiday season is full of movement — gifts, travel, expectations. But the best part of it isn’t in how much we do; it’s in how present we feel while doing it.
If you’re reading this at the end of a long day, maybe take a deep breath through your nose right now. That small act of slowing down is already the beginning of rest.
A Gentle Note to Close
This season, may your nights be peaceful, your mind lighter, and your breathing calm. The holidays aren’t just about doing more — they’re about feeling more present, even in the quiet moments before sleep.
If you’ve ever wondered why stress seems louder at night or why rest feels harder to find, you’re not alone. Recent insights from Stellis Health (2025) and the Sleep Foundation (2023) both highlight how holiday stress affects the body’s natural rhythm — raising cortisol, disrupting breathing, and keeping the mind awake when it should be resting.
So as you wrap up another busy year, take a moment to pause, exhale, and remind yourself: calm is something you can practice, one breath at a time.
References:
Stellis Health (2025). Holiday Stress and Health. Available at: https://stellishealth.com/blog-2025-holiday-stress-and-health/
Sleep Foundation (2023). How Holiday Stress Affects Sleep Quality.
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