With all that’s going on during holiday time, a good night sleep seems as elusive as Santa and his elves. The shopping, the traveling, the big family gatherings … it’s enough to keep anyone up at night.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are three common culprits that might have you tossing and turning. And the solutions that will have you sleeping soundly.
1. The Problem: Jet Lag
Whether you’re visiting family on the other side of the country or heading out on a business trip, jet lag is more than just exhaustion from the trip. Your underlying sleep-wake cycle gets disrupted when you travel to different time zones. The more zones you cross, the more off you’re going to feel, and the longer it will take to adjust.
For a good night’s sleep: A few days before you leave, begin to gradually change your sleeping and eating hours to match those of your destination. Increase your fluid intake too—dehydration makes it tougher for the body to adapt. Keep a water bottle with you at all times. And choose plenty of water-based snacks like watermelon and cucumbers. You can also take Replace® SR to help maintain fluid balance. These sustained-release tablets work by releasing electrolytes slowly over a 4- to 6-hour period as your body needs them to absorb the fluids you drink. Simply drink plenty of water according to thirst.*
When you get to your destination, follow its time schedule right away. If you feel sleepy during the day, head outdoors for a half hour. Exposure to bright light will help you reset your circadian rhythms. And be sure to get some exercise, which raises your endorphin levels and can make you feel peppier.
2. The Problem: Holiday Stress
You’ve got to clean the house, buy and wrap presents, and cook a holiday dinner for 30 of your closest relatives. All within the next two weeks. How will you get everything done? While you have to keep it together during the day, the minute your head hits the pillow, every single thing on your to-do list starts swirling around your head. No wonder you can’t get to sleep.
For a good night’s sleep: Before you get under the covers, find a quiet spot and sit with a pen and a notebook. Close your eyes and let your mind wander. Then take about 10 to 15 minutes to write down everything you need to do. Once it’s written down, you can let it go. Be sure to add a reminder to take your daily supplements, including ENDUR-VM® Multi-Vitamin & Mineral supplement with its steady release of nutrients to help you power through your to-do list.*
3. The Problem: Holiday parties
Constant food fests are a given during the holiday season. And with all that enticing food, it’s tough not to overdo. But eating too many over-processed, sugar-filled foods, not to mention caffeinated and alcoholic drinks, can make falling asleep, and staying asleep, a difficult task. (While alcohol can sometimes help you relax and fall asleep faster, it suppresses deep, restful REM sleep—and so you wake up feeling groggy).
For a good night’s sleep: Stop snacking at least two hours before hitting the hay. Eating too close to bedtime forces your body to concentrate on digestion, rather than sleep. Snacking before bed can also lead to heartburn, which can make falling asleep a difficult chore. If you must have something, try a bit of low-fat cheese and whole wheat crackers. And finish your last glass of wine at least three hours before bed.
Feeling sleep now?
About Endurance Products Company
Endurance Products Company has been a trusted source of quality dietary supplements since 1978. Our sustained-release and extended-release tablets feature a unique vegetable wax matrix that releases nutrients in a slow, steady manner over a period of hours for optimal nutrient absorption and retention.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
