'It's the most restful time of the year'

How to Reset Your Sleep This Christmas

For many of us, the end of the year brings a rare and welcome pause. The holiday season offers a break from meetings, emails, deadlines and overflowing to-do lists - a chance to slow down, recharge and catch our breath. In Australia, with school holidays and long summer days, life often feels like it enters a gentle hibernation for several weeks across December and January. And honestly? We need it.

Why rest matters more than ever

Despite how normal exhaustion has become, the data tells a worrying story. The American Psychological Association estimates that more than 40% of leaders sleep six hours or less per night, well below the recommended seven to eight hours for adults. Poor sleep impacts decision-making, emotional regulation, physical health and workplace performance.[1]

And it’s not just leaders. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, nearly 48% of Australian adults report at least two sleep-related problems [2], while ResMed’s 2024 Global Sleep Survey found that only 13% of people sleep well every night. [3]

Between demanding jobs, family responsibilities, social commitments and rising living costs, it’s no wonder quality sleep feels elusive.

But the end-of-year break offers something powerful: time to reflect.

It’s a chance to ask:

• What worked well this year?
• What drained my energy?
• And how can I set myself up to feel better next year?

Reviewing your nightly routine and making small, realistic improvements can be one of the most impactful places to identify ways to enhance your rest and recovery.

To assist, here are three simple ways to sleep better this holiday season:

 1. Stick to a consistent bedtime routine

Consistency is one of the most important foundations of good sleep. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day helps regulate your circadian rhythm and allows your body to learn when it is time to rest and rise each day.

2. Take a warm shower before bed

A warm shower in the evening can help your body wind down. As your body temperature drops as you get out, it can send a natural signal to the brain that it’s time to sleep. The ritual itself also helps transition the body out of ‘day mode’ and into 'rest' state.

3. Eat your main Christmas meal earlier in the day

Heavy meals late at night can disrupt sleep through indigestion and drinking too many fluids in the evenings can increase night-time trips to the bathroom. Eating earlier in the day avoids this and even opens the door for a delicious short, post-lunch afternoon nap - just keep it to before 3pm, to ensure your usual night-time sleep isn't impacted.

Use the holidays to reset, not just recover

If sleep has slipped down your priority list this year, the festive season is the perfect time to reset. Slow down. Read more. Spend time outdoors. Take naps by the pool. And allow yourself the luxury of proper rest - without a drop of guilt. And when the time is right, consider what opportunities there are in 2026 to make small adjustments to your night-time routine to ensure you can perform at your best for the next twelve months.

A note of gratitude

While many of us are fortunate enough to take a break, we recognise that countless essential workers such as healthcare professionals, emergency services, hospitality and retail teams keep things running during this busy period. Thank you for all that you do. We hope you’re able to enjoy a well-earned rest early in the new year.

Wishing you a restful, healthy and joyful holiday season

At JIMJAMS, we believe that great sleep is the foundation of great performance. That’s why we design premium, breathable sleepwear to support comfort and relaxation, helping you to perform at your best, day after day.

Thank you for being part of the JIMJAMS community. We look forward to supporting your sleep, rest and recovery goals in 2026.

You work hard all day, let us help you rest easy at night.

🛌 Explore our sleepwear designed for better rest at 👉 www.jimjams.au