How to Maintain a Restful Sleep Routine During the Easter Holidays

School holidays, as much as they are welcome, can often be a disruptive time for sleep schedules as our routines become a little laxer. Whether you’re juggling excited children, trying to avoid post-chocolate crashes, or hosting family, maintaining a restful sleep routine is key to staying energised. These Easter Holidays, why not try some of our tips on how you and your family can maintain a healthy, restful sleep routine.

Stick to a consistent bedtime

It’s tempting to let bedtimes slide when there’s no school or early morning commitments but sticking to a regular sleep schedule helps to maintain the body’s internal clock schedule. Try to keep bedtime and wake-up times within an hour of your usual schedule to avoid overly disrupted sleep patterns when the holidays end.

Reduce stimulation before bed

Easter means chocolate eggs are around every corner, and sugar highs can lead to restless nights. Try to scale back on sugar in the evenings and opt for balanced snacks instead. Likewise, limit screen time at least an hour before bed, as the blue light from devices can interfere with melatonin production, making it harder to drift off.

Create a calming bedtime routine

Wind-down routines signal to the body that it’s time for bed. Encourage relaxation by incorporating activities such as reading, warm baths, or gentle stretching. For children, a bedtime story and dimmed lights can work wonders to create a soothing atmosphere.

Travel sleep tips

If you’re travelling over Easter, maintaining sleep routines can be challenging. Bring familiar sleep aids such as a favourite pillow, blanket, or cuddly toy to create a comforting sleep environment. If travelling to a new time zone, try adjusting to the new time gradually by shifting sleep and mealtimes slightly in the days leading up to travelling.

Maintain a flexible daily schedule

While routines might be more relaxed during the holidays, keeping some structure to the day helps maintain good sleep. Prioritise outdoor activities, balanced meals, and consistent wake-up times to promote natural energy levels throughout the day.

Keep that daily alarm set

Even if you don’t have to be up early, setting an alarm each morning helps regulate sleep patterns. Oversleeping or inconsistent wake-up times can lead to sluggishness and make it harder to get back into a routine after the holidays.

Exercise regularly

Staying active during the day promotes better sleep at night. Whether it’s a family walk, a workout session, or simply an Easter egg hunt, movement helps to expend energy and supports better sleep.

Incorporate chores into the day

Including simple household tasks such as tidying up, preparing meals, or helping with Easter decorations can keep everyone engaged and create a sense of routine, helping to maintain a balanced daily schedule.

Get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air

Natural light plays a crucial role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. Spending time outside during the day helps boost moods and energy levels while also making it easier to wind down at night.

Prepare in advance for going back to school or work

The transition back to normal routines can be tough, especially after late nights and a laxer routine. A few days before school or work resumes, gradually bring bedtime and wake-up times back to normal to ease the adjustment.

By following these practical tips, you can enjoy the Easter holidays without compromising on rest, because a well-rested family is a happy family.