11 Christmas Eve Sleep Hacks to Help You Fall Asleep Before Santa Comes

Christmas Eve is an exciting time for everyone, especially children. The anticipation of what awaits them the following morning can be overwhelming, making it difficult for them to get a good night’s sleep. Parents are often faced with the challenge of putting their children to bed and lack sleep themselves due to their kids’ excitement. To help combat this problem, Sleepypeople.com has created a helpful infographic outlining 11 Christmas Eve sleep hacks to help everyone get a better night’s rest.

1. Stick to Your Normal Routine

It’s important to keep your children’s bedtime routine the same as usual. This helps them to recognize that it’s time to wind down and get ready for sleep. Even though it’s Christmas Eve, sticking to a regular routine will help them fall asleep more quickly and comfortably.

2. Calm Before Bedtime

Help your children wind down by engaging in quiet activities before bedtime. This could include reading a book, listening to calming music, or having a warm bath. Encouraging your children to engage in calming activities will help them reduce their excitement levels and fall asleep faster.

3. Keep the Bedroom Dark

Darkness stimulates the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Make sure your children’s bedroom is completely dark to help them fall asleep more quickly. A nightlight is acceptable, but make sure it’s dim enough not to interfere with their sleep.

4. Turn Off Electronic Devices

Electronic devices emit blue light, which suppresses melatonin production and can make it difficult for your children to fall asleep. Turn off all electronic devices such as tablets, TVs, and smartphones an hour before bedtime to help your children fall asleep quicker.

5. Limit Sugar Intake

Sweet treats and chocolates are a big part of Christmas Eve celebrations. However, consuming too much sugar close to bedtime can disrupt your child’s sleep. Limit their sugar intake and avoid giving them sugary foods and drinks two hours before bedtime.

6. Aromatherapy

The use of essential oils such as lavender oil is known to calm the mind and help people sleep better. Add a few drops of lavender oil to a diffuser or place a lavender sachet under your child’s pillow to help them relax and fall asleep more easily.

7. Keep the Bedroom Cool

Maintaining a cool bedroom temperature is essential during the winter months. Having the bedroom temperature between 60-67 degrees Fahrenheit helps to promote sleep. Make sure your child’s bedroom is cool, but not too cold, to help them have a restful sleep.

8. Breathing Exercises

Breathing exercises such as the 4-7-8 technique can help your child relax and fall asleep. Inhale through the nose for four counts, hold the breath for seven counts and exhale through the mouth for eight counts. Repeat this process several times to help your child fall asleep.

9. Bedtime Story

Reading a bedtime story is a classic way to help children fall asleep. Choose a relaxing story and read it to your child in a soft, soothing voice. It will encourage them to relax and fall asleep more quickly.

10. Sleep-Friendly Environment

Create a sleep-friendly environment in your child’s bedroom. Invest in quality bedding, choose a comfortable pillow, and make sure their bedroom is clutter-free to make them feel at ease and comfortable. A comfortable sleep environment helps your child relax and drift off to sleep.

11. Relaxing Music

Soft, relaxing music can help your child unwind and fall asleep more easily. Choose soothing, calming music and play it in the background to help them drift off to sleep. Remember to keep the volume low so it does not affect their sleep.

Final Thoughts

Christmas Eve is an exciting time for everyone. However, the anticipation can make it challenging for children to get a good night’s rest, leaving parents feeling drained and sleep-deprived in the morning. By following Sleepypeople.com’s 11 Christmas Eve sleep hacks, parents can help their children get a better night’s rest, leaving everyone feeling refreshed, energized, and ready for the exciting event that awaits them on Christmas morning.