Sleep And Mood
You know that lack of sleep makes you sluggish and grumpy the next day, but you might not appreciate just how much not getting enough rest can impact your mood. Sleep improves the ability of your brain to regulate behavior. When you’re underslept, you don’t stop functioning. Rather, your “lizard brain”–the primitive, instinctive part of your brain–tends to take over to make sure you survive. While the “lizard brain” is great for keeping us alive, the decisions it leads us to tend to be less socially acceptable than when our rational brain is in charge. What does that mean for the holidays? When underslept, we will all tend to act more impulsive, aggressive, and irritable. In a child this may translate to a tantrum; in an adult, to more arguing.
How To Avoid The Lizard Brain Takeover
So, now that you know you’re just one bad night away from a bad mood, how can you keep your holidays from being ruined by your caveman brain? A few simple steps, taken in advance, can help keep the whole family merry:
Don’t Skip Sleep
It can be tempting to stay up late in order to accomplish everything, but don’t let the illusion of productivity fool you. People continue to require 7-9 hours of sleep every night even during the holidays. In fact, if you’re under extra stress, recovering from a cold or flu, or engaged in a lot of precision tasks, you might even need more sleep than usual. Prioritize sleep. If special events are held at night, try to nap or sleep in the next day. You’ll be mentally sharper and able to accomplish more in less time if you’re well-rested.
Think About Your Mattress
If your mattress is old, worn-out, or uncomfortable, even getting to bed on time might not be enough to ensure a good night’s rest. An uncomfortable mattress can lead to tossing and turning all night, which can undercut the effects of rest by not allowing you to sleep deeply enough to reap all the benefits. This is one area where scrimping can cost you more in the long run. It’s worthwhile to pay a visit to a quality mattress store and invest in your rest.
And remember to think about the mattresses your family is using, too. Every year thousands of parents wish they knew the secret to helping their children behave well and enjoy the festivities. They may know the secret already: more quality sleep–for everyone.
Sources:
Surprising Health Benefits Of Sleep – www.consumerreports.org
How To Sleep Better – www.helpguide.org