Summary: A survey conducted by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) highlights how the holiday season impacts sleep habits, with 55% of Americans feeling tired during this time due to increased obligations and stress. The fatigue often carries into the new year, as 46% report feeling tired on New Year’s Day, and 42% experience tiredness upon returning to work in January. AASM recommends maintaining regular sleep routines and offers tips to improve sleep quality during the holidays, such as limiting caffeine and alcohol late at night and avoiding heavy meals before bed.
Key Takeaways:
- Holiday Exhaustion Is Common: Over half of Americans (55%) report feeling tired during the holiday season, with the exhaustion extending into the new year for many.
- Sleep Deprivation Impacts Health: The holiday rush often leads people to sacrifice sleep, affecting both physical and mental well-being.
- Simple Strategies Can Help: AASM recommends sticking to regular sleep routines, avoiding heavy meals late at night, and limiting caffeine and alcohol to improve sleep during the holidays.
From end-of-year work commitments and shopping to entertaining and attending gatherings with family and friends, Americans find themselves racing against the clock to get enough sleep during the busy holiday season.
In fact, in a survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 55% of people reported they are extremely or somewhat tired during the holidays.
“The holiday season can be joyous, but also stressful, and leads many people to sacrifice sleep as other obligations mount,” says David Kuhlmann, MD, sleep physician and AASM spokesperson, in a release. “No matter how busy you are, getting the right amount of sleep is important for both physical and mental health, and being well rested will help you enjoy the holiday season even more.”
Unfortunately, the exhausted feeling persists into the new year, as 46% of survey respondents reported feeling tired on New Year’s Day, and 42% admitted to feeling tired on the first day back to work in January.
“It’s recommended that people stick to their normal sleep routine throughout December and January so that everyone can start the year with healthy sleep habits in place,” says Kuhlmann in a release.
Here are a few tips from the AASM to make this holiday season a little less tiring:
- Get the recommended hours of sleep: Most adults should sleep seven or more hours per night on a regular basis to promote optimal health.
- Avoid excess food intake: Holiday feasts can be tempting, but eating large amounts of food just before bedtime can disrupt your sleep.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol late at night: Avoid stimulants like caffeine late at night, as they will make it harder to fall asleep. You should also avoid alcohol before bedtime because it can disrupt your sleep during the night.
- Keep to your routine: Stick to a nightly routine to help unwind before bed, even if your daytime and evening activities are different than normal.
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