Holiday Stress & Sleep: 5 Simple Ways to Protect Your Rest This Season

The holiday season is magical… but let’s be honest, it can also drain every ounce of your energy if you’re not careful. Between travel, gatherings, last-minute shopping, and trying to wrap up the year, your sleep can take a serious hit.

This year, we’re choosing peace. We’re choosing rest. And we’re choosing small, doable habits that help us stay grounded during one of the busiest times of the year. If you’re ready to protect your sleep—and your sanity—here are five simple ways to keep your rest on track through the holidays.

1. Choose a Bedtime and Actually Stick to It

Consistency is your superpower during the holidays. Your body thrives on routine, even when life feels anything but routine.

Picking a set bedtime and honoring it, yes, even on your “I’m just going to wrap this one last thing” nights, helps regulate your internal clock. The result? You fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling more refreshed.

2. Cut the Late-Night Scrolling

If your nighttime routine includes reviewing online carts, browsing gift ideas, or scrolling through holiday content until 1 a.m., your brain is way too stimulated to wind down.

Try a 30-minute screen cut-off before bed. It’s tough at first, but the payoff is worth it: less racing thoughts and a much smoother transition into sleep.

3. Keep Your Bedroom Cool, Cozy, and Calm

A cozy bedroom aesthetic is basically a love language in December, but don’t forget the sleep science behind it. Cooler temperatures help your body settle into deeper rest, while soft bedding and a calming environment tell your mind it’s safe to relax.

Think: breathable sheets, a comfortable mattress, dim lighting, and soothing scents. Make your bedroom a sleep sanctuary, not an extension of holiday chaos.

4. Simplify Your Evening Routine

Holiday evenings can get packed fast. But simplifying your nights can dramatically improve the way you sleep.

A quick rinse, a little skincare, a warm drink, and a few minutes of decompressing can help your brain shift gears from “go, go, go” to “rest mode.” Keep it simple, keep it soothing, and keep it consistent.

5. Protect Your Stress Levels Like They’re Part of the Holiday Budget

The holidays come with pressure, family demands, full schedules, crowded stores, and endless to-do lists. One of the best things you can do for your sleep is to intentionally reduce that pressure wherever possible.

Say “no” more often. Plan less. Prioritize rest. You don’t have to attend every event or check off every festive activity. Your peace is worth protecting, and your body will thank you with better, deeper sleep.

The Bottom Line

Holiday season doesn’t have to mean tired season. A few small shifts—more consistency, fewer screens, a calmer space, simpler evenings, and stronger boundaries—can completely transform the way you rest.