Dreamerz Foods: Tips for Getting Holiday Shut Eye

By Julia Young

It is the holiday season again, that wonderful time of year that brings most of us a rigorous schedule of long days and nights, filled with holiday preparations and seasonal soirees. Unfortunately, a lot of yuletide stress can accompany all of the yuletide cheer. Late-night holiday parties can throw off sleep patterns, not to mention the stress of finding the perfect gift, decorating your house, and hosting family gatherings.

Making time to de-stress, relax and get a good night's sleep is essential to leading a healthy lifestyle. Here at Ruder Finn/West we came to realize how important sleep really is with the help of our client, Dreamerz Foods, Inc.

Dreamerz Foods champions the importance of healthy sleep and stress reduction by making it possible to indulge in quality shut-eye with their all-natural sleep beverage, Dreamerz. This creamy, dairy-based beverage is a perfect indulgence for anyone after a long day of holiday celebrations. With the holidays approaching, Ruder Finn sprang into action to arm consumers with tips and tricks for getting a better night's sleep through Dreamerz Foods.

Most will agree that the holiday season is quite stressful and when prompted to think it over, sleep is more often than not, sacrificed. In fact, several surveys and research studies have been conducted on the topic of sleep loss and stress. According to a survey published by The Gallup Organization, 76 percent of American adults reported losing sleep between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. In fact, about half of respondents (49 percent) reported losing three or more hours of sleep per week. The survey identified remembering the loss of loved ones (40 percent), financial concerns (38 percent), scheduling too many activities (37 percent), and family issues (33 percent) as the leading reasons for sleep loss.1

We also discovered that surprisingly, women and men are almost equally stressed during the holiday season. CNN reported that approximately 52 percent of women, ages 35 to 54, said their stress levels increase during the holidays. By contrast, 40 percent of men in the same age group reported increased stress levels as well. So, how can we cope with this added seasonal stress? Getting more shut-eye is one way to reduce stress, so giving yourself and others the gift of sleep should be on everyone's wish-list this year. So how do we get the rest we need this holiday season?

The wonderful folks at Dreamerz Foods, Inc. are here to help! Here are some tips they recommend:

1. Be consistent. Go to bed and wake-up at the same time each night, even on weekends.
2. Create a ritual. Listen to soothing music, read, or enjoy a warm bath before bedtime. Sip your Dreamerz and nod off!
3. Be active! Exercise regularly, just not within three hours of bedtime.
4. Eat right. Enjoy a light evening meal at least two hours before bed.
5. Limit caffeine & nicotine. Keep stimulants to a minimum, especially after 3:00 p.m.
6. Drink in moderation. Avoid alcohol close to bedtime as it can disrupt your sleep later in the night.
7. Nap selectively. Skip that nap for more consistent sleep at night.
8. Create a relaxing environment. Use your bedroom only for intimacy and sleep.
9. Aim for cool, dark & quiet. Make your bedroom peaceful and comfortable.
10. Keep a sleep diary. This can help you discover any factors disturbing your sleep.

Most importantly, try to keep in mind that the holidays are meant to be a relaxing time spent with family and friends. The Connecticut Psychological Association reminds all Americans that, "Taking care of yourself during the holiday season helps to keep your mind and body primed to deal with stress. Pay attention to your own needs and feelings. Engage in holiday activities that you enjoy and find relaxing. Exercise regularly. Eat healthy. Make sure you get enough rest and sleep."

Here at Ruder Finn/West, we hope everyone has a well-rested and happy holiday season, from our family to yours!

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