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Give Yourself the Gift of Sleep

The holidays bring extra demands—shopping for gifts, party preparation, wrapping the gifts—and it’s easy to see why many people are more sleep-deprived than ever this time of year.

Here are some suggestions for better sleep during the holiday season:

1. Take time to relax. Even if you have a lot to do, allow yourself to stop at a certain point in the evening. Giving your brain time to wind down before bed will help you sleep better.
2. Keep your sleep pattern on schedule. Maintain a regular bedtime and wake-up time. Other regular rituals, such as a warm bath, a light snack or a few minutes of reading, may also help.
3. Plan ahead for holiday chores. Set aside time earlier in the day to wrap gifts, decorate, plan your holiday menu and similar tasks. To stay on track, write these “appointments” in a daily planner.
4. Love eggnog? Avoid too much alcoholic eggnog or coffee at evening holiday parties. Alcohol and caffeine can inhibit your normal sleep pattern.