Thanksgiving brings to the mind images of family get-togethers, football, and … of course … gorging on turkey. It’s the latter of those three images, however, that can lead to sleep issues.
Below are five SleepBetter tips that will help you stay well rested during the Thanksgiving weekend as well as the year-end holidays:
1) Many families eat an afternoon feast on Thanksgiving Day rather than at the traditional dinner time. This is a good plan, as it allows your digestive system a chance to work on the big meal. Going to bed on a full stomach is uncomfortable and can interrupt normal sleep patterns.
2) If you do have an early dinner, you may find that you want a late-night snack. This is okay, but keep it modest. In other words, try to avoid eating an entire turkey leg.
3) Turkey meat is often blamed for Tryptophan-induced sleepiness. Sleepiness after your Thanksgiving meal is due more to overeating. Regardless of the reason, a nap in the middle of the day is fine but try to limit it to 30 minutes and not after 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. A nap that is too long or too late in the day can interfere with your sleep that night.
4) If your celebration goes beyond the afternoon and into the evening, avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages close to bedtime.
5) Avoid the temptation to stay up late and sleep late into the morning. While some variation is not a problem, sticking somewhat to your normal bedtime is the best way to ensure you don’t have problems adjusting to your normal work schedule after the holiday weekend is over.
If your sleep problem isn’t related to over-eating and stress, but instead has to do with uncomfortable bedding, be sure to check out our Recommended Products page for help with a replacement pillow, mattress pad or mattress topper.
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