Wouldn’t it be nice to catch up on sleep over the summer holidays? As another year comes to a close, many of us are left feeling drained—overwhelmed by work, stress, endless to-do lists, and restless nights. The holiday season, with its hustle and bustle, often amplifies these feelings, leaving us struggling to relax and recharge. Combine that with the warm, sticky nights of summer, and restorative sleep can feel like a distant dream.Yet, when we drag ourselves out of bed feeling tired and grumpy, the day doesn’t start on the right note, does it?
A Message to All My Clients.
To all my past, existing, and future clients: let’s take this time to rest and reset ourselves for the new year. By prioritizing our health and well-being, we can make good choices, feel fulfilled, and embrace the year ahead with energy and positivity.
Why Sleep Matters (Especially During the Holidays)
Sleep isn’t just about recharging our batteries—it’s also essential for maintaining emotional balance, physical health, and even weight management.
Did you know that lack of sleep can mess with your body’s hunger signals? Sleep deprivation dulls the chemical message that tells us we’re full, while simultaneously increasing cravings—especially for sugar.
So, as you enjoy that holiday pavlova, mince pies, and other treats, keep in mind that your body may not process those extra calories as efficiently if you're not well-rested.
A good night’s sleep helps us feel positive, energized, and ready to take on the day. Even more importantly, it allows our minds to process and let go of the day’s events through dreaming. Healthy sleep cycles repeat three to five times per night, but disruptions—whether physical or emotional—can leave us feeling fatigued the next day.
How Much Sleep Do We Really Need?
The “sweet spot” for most adults is around 7 hours of sleep per night, according to 2017 studies. However, individual needs vary depending on factors like age, gender, health, and activity levels. Unfortunately, sleep isn’t always easy to come by. Factors like stress, caffeine, alcohol, a poor diet, or even seasonal changes can disrupt your sleep pattern.
Tips for Better Sleep This Summer
If you’re ready to reset your sleep cycle and enjoy a rejuvenated start to the new year, here are some tips to help you drift off more easily:
Herbal Teas: Chamomile, lemon balm, valerian, and passionflower teas can help calm your mind in the evening.
Sleep-Boosting Foods: Try bananas, cherries, and kiwifruit, which are known to improve sleep patterns. Magnesium-rich foods like avocados and whole grains—or even a magnesium supplement—can also promote restful sleep.
Stay Active: Being physically and mentally engaged during the day builds up a natural “sleep drive,” often leading to deeper and longer sleep at night.
Create a Bedtime Routine: Write down any worries or tasks before bed to help clear your mind. If you’re unable to fall asleep after 20 minutes, get up, move to another room, and do something relaxing until you feel sleepy.
Use Tools Like Relaxation Recordings: The Feel Free Relaxation Recording is a fantastic way to calm your mind and body, helping you fall into a deep, restorative sleep.
Reset Your Sleep Cycle.
Our body’s natural circadian rhythm—a 24-hour biological cycle—affects everything from digestion to hormone regulation and body temperature. By aligning with this rhythm, we allow our bodies to function optimally, improving mood, energy, and overall health. So, this summer, let’s prioritize rest. Catch up on sleep, reset your natural rhythms, and wake up each day feeling refreshed and ready to enjoy the holiday season.
Here’s to a summer of better sleep and brighter days ahead!
Feel free to reach out if you’d like to learn more about how relaxation techniques and therapy can support your sleep and well-being.
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