The holiday season is often filled with joy, family gatherings, late-night celebrations, and a break from normal routines. While this time of year can be exciting, it can also wreak havoc on your sleep schedule. Between travel, social events, and indulgent meals, many people find themselves heading into the new year feeling more exhausted than refreshed.

Here at Remologie, we believe quality sleep is the foundation of feeling your best, even during the busiest seasons. Here’s how to maintain a healthy sleep routine without missing out on the festivities.

1. Keep a Consistent Bedtime (Most of the Time)

It’s natural to stay up later on special occasions, but try not to shift your bedtime and wake-up time by more than an hour on most nights. Keeping some consistency helps regulate your circadian rhythm, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up refreshed, even during a busy holiday schedule.

2. Watch What (and When) You Eat and Drink

Holiday meals often mean rich foods, late dinners, and plenty of treats. While it’s fine to indulge, keep in mind that:

• Heavy meals too close to bedtime can disrupt sleep.
• Alcohol may make you drowsy at first but often leads to restless, fragmented sleep.
• Sugary desserts and caffeine in holiday treats (like chocolate) can interfere with winding down.

If possible, aim to finish eating at least 2–3 hours before bedtime and hydrate with water throughout the evening.

3. Prioritize Relaxation and Wind-Down Time

With packed schedules, it’s easy to go straight from a busy evening into bed. But your body needs signals that it’s time to rest. Create a wind-down routine, even if it’s just 15 minutes, by dimming the lights, reading, journaling, or practicing deep breathing. This helps calm your nervous system so you can drift off more easily.

4. Be Mindful of Travel Disruptions

If you’re traveling during the holidays, changes in time zones or sleeping in unfamiliar environments can throw off your sleep. To make it easier:

• Bring a sleep kit (earplugs, eye mask, travel pillow).
• Try to keep your bedtime routine consistent, even when away from home.
• Expose yourself to morning sunlight to help reset your internal clock if you’re adjusting to jet lag.

5. Make Time for Movement

Exercise helps regulate sleep, but during the holidays, activity often gets replaced with long meals and sitting around. Even light activity, like a family walk after dinner or a few minutes of stretching, can improve sleep quality. Just avoid vigorous workouts too close to bedtime.

6. Give Yourself Permission to Rest

The holidays can be stressful, with pressure to attend every event, host perfectly, and check off endless to-do lists. Remember: rest is part of self-care. Prioritizing sleep will help you feel more energized, present, and able to actually enjoy the celebrations.

The Bottom Line

The holidays don’t have to mean sacrificing your sleep. By keeping a loose routine, being mindful of late-night food and drink, building in wind-down time, and balancing activity with rest, you can celebrate the season while still protecting your health. From all of us here at Remologie, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season and restful nights into the new year.