Time your festive treats and stay hydrated:
Mince pies, pavlova and Christmas pudding are festive treats few can resist. But sugar spikes and crashes can leave you jittery or tossing and turning at night, while fatty and salty dishes – like glazed ham, roast pork and rich cheeses – slow digestion and can dehydrate you.
Lisa’s tip: “It’s not about cutting out the foods you love. Try to enjoy the heaviest or sweetest treats earlier in the day rather than right before bed. Pairing desserts with a little protein, like cheese with fruit or dark chocolate with nuts, can also help keep blood sugar steady.
“Hydration often takes a back seat at Christmas, but it can make or break your sleep. Try sipping water steadily through the day – not just grabbing a glass at night. If you struggle, a rehydration sachet before bed can help restore balance. Even mild dehydration is enough to make sleep lighter and more restless, while staying topped up with fluids and electrolytes helps your body relax properly, giving you a better chance of drifting off peacefully.”
Rotate your festive snacks – give your digestion a break:
Snacking and Christmas go hand in hand, but the key is switching up what you put out across the week. Alternating between richer treats and lighter options can take some of the pressure off your digestive system and help you sleep more soundly.
Lisa’s tip: “You don’t need to cut out treats – just think about balance. Try rotating what’s available each day: swap salted nuts for unsalted, crisps for colourful veggie sticks, or rich desserts for fruit, sorbets, or dark chocolate. Small tweaks like this make it easier for your body to settle at bedtime while still enjoying all the festive goodies.”
Give Your Brain a Breather – Swap Awkward Silences with More Connection-Focused Games:
Spending long stretches with family can be surprisingly stressful; 43% of Brits say it raises their anxiety. For some, the default is sitting through awkward silences; for others, it’s falling back on the obligatory board games like Monopoly or Trivial Pursuit, which can feel repetitive and mentally draining.
Lisa’s tip: “Whether you usually skip games or default to the classics, swapping in something different can make a difference. Conversation card games like The Hygge Game or Let’s Get Closer spark meaningful chats without winners or losers, helping you uncover things about older and younger family members that often go undiscovered. Even just 15 minutes of ‘me time’ in another room with a book, podcast, or music can give your brain a break and calm stress before bed.”
Keep a mini routine – don’t let sleep go off track:
Only two-in-five people stick to any regular bedtime between Christmas and New Year. Late-night films, Boxing Day sales scrolling, and last-minute wrapping push sleep later and later.
Lisa’s tip: “You don’t need to be rigid, but keep a wind-down anchor. A warm shower, chamomile tea, or 20 minutes away from screens signals to your brain it’s time to rest. Weighted blankets, like the Simba Orbit, can calm racing thoughts, while a supportive mattress, like the Simba Hybrid, eases post-party aches so you can actually drift off.”
Keep Moving Without Missing the Mulled Wine:
With nearly half of Brits (44%) saying they get zero ‘me time’ over Christmas, exercise is one of the first things to disappear in the chaos of parties, shopping and hosting.
Lisa’s tip: “Think of small ways to hit the equivalent of 10,000 steps a day, roughly 80 minutes of walking split across the day. A brisk 15-minute walk after breakfast, a short stroll to see the Christmas lights and a post-dinner wander can add up and keep energy levels stable, stress lower and sleep better.
“Getting kids out of the house over the holidays can be trickier when indoor fun is so tempting. Make walks feel like an adventure. Turn steps into points in a game or set up fun challenges along the route. Bring along stickers or small themed prizes to “unlock” as you reach different parts of a walk. It’s an easy way to sneak in exercise, keep everyone moving, and make the outdoors feel just as exciting.”
