November 9, 2023
Rest Easy With These Sleep Tips
A recent survey of 2,000 Americans found that hosting family and friends during the holidays can lead to losing two and a half hours of sleep per day. The combination of stress, excitement and time spent cooking and shopping makes sleep especially valuable during the holiday season.
Lack of sleep may negatively affect your hormone levels, mood, weight and more. Our American Academy of Sleep Medicine-accredited sleep center has these tips on how to catch some extra Zs! 
1. Stick to a sleep schedule.
Go to bed and get up at the same time every day, including weekends. Being consistent reinforces your body’s sleep/wake cycle. The recommended amount of sleep for a healthy adult is at least seven hours, so aim for eight hours each night.
2. Pay attention to what you eat and drink
Avoid large meals within a couple of hours of bedtime. Limit your nicotine, caffeine and alcohol intake, as the stimulating effects of nicotine and caffeine may interfere with sleep. Alcohol may make you sleepy at first, but it can disrupt sleep during the night.
3. Create a restful environment
Keep your room cool, dark and quiet to promote better sleep. Avoid using light-emitting screens 1-2 hours before bedtime, and consider using earplugs, a fan or other devices to create an environment that suits your needs.
4. Limit daytime naps
Between cooking, shopping for loved ones and playing a bit of Thanksgiving football in the backyard, opportunities for physical activity are plentiful during the holidays. Regular physical activity can promote better sleep, so incorporate it into your daily routine!
5. Include physical activity in your daily routine
Between cooking, shopping for loved ones and playing a bit of Thanksgiving football in the backyard, opportunities for physical activity are plentiful during the holidays. Regular physical activity can promote better sleep, so incorporate it into your daily routine!
6. Manage your worries
It’s easier said than done, especially during the hustle and bustle of the holidays. However, try to resolve your worries or concerns before bedtime. Jot down what’s on your mind and then set it aside for tomorrow.
Coryell Health Can Help
Our sleep center offers full-service, comprehensive care for sleep disorders. We provide board certified sleep physician consultations, diagnostic testing and treatment services for over 80 sleep disorders, including:
If you suffer from sleep apnea and CPAP is ineffective, our ENT specialist, Dr. Holland, can insert an Inspire device. Inspire is the only FDA-approved obstructive sleep apnea treatment that works inside your body to treat the root cause of sleep apnea.
Have sweet dreams this holiday season. If you want to learn more about how Coryell Health’s Sleep Center can improve your quality of life, contact your primary care physician.