The party-season guide to sleep

Some of us don’t get enough sleep at the best of times, and the holiday season just adds fuel to the fire. With last-minute work deadlines, a frighteningly long shopping list and a calendar filled with Christmas cocktails, you’re on a fast-track to festive exhaustion.

Admittedly, one or two glasses of wine can actually help you drift off. “Alcohol works on the same receptors as sleeping tablets and helps put you to sleep,” says author of How to Sleep Well, Dr Neil Stanley. “The problems come later in the night; the headache caused by dehydration, the need to visit the bathroom, and the disturbed and restless sleep because of feeling hot as you burn off all the excess calories consumed.”

Prevention is always better than cure; restricting how much you drink is the surefire way to get a better night’s sleep and ensure you feel fresh the next day. But even the purists among us can falter, so instead: choose wisely. “Avoid anything with bubbles, like champagne, as this can cause a buildup of gas in your stomach, making it harder for your liver to process,” says Dr Raj Dasgupta, professor of clinical medicine at the University of Southern California. “Stick to one type of drink and try to keep to two glasses – this will minimize any hangover.”

You’re not alone if you find yourself craving a bowl of fries at the end of the night, but try to fight it. “Alcohol inhibits your liver from making glucose, so your body doesn’t produce as much energy, hence your urge for carbohydrates,” explains Dr Dasgupta. “Overloading on carbs before bed can cause heartburn, though, and affect your sleep.”

Instead, drink a large glass of water – ideally up to 500ml – before you go to bed to counteract any dehydration, and make one last bathroom trip. “It’s also worth sleeping with less coverings on your bed than normal to help you lose the excess body temperature,” says Dr Stanley. Having an eye mask to hand will help to block out any excess light if you wake up on the hour, every hour after 2am.

Sleep is the best remedy for a hangover, as your liver needs time to break down the alcohol. To support this, some experts recommend topping up your B vitamins. “Your liver uses these vitamins (in particular vitamin B1 [thiamine]), to break down toxins, so levels can become depleted, leaving you even more tired,” says Dr Dasgupta. Try Dr Nigma Talib’s B Famous supplements for a potent dose of B vitamins.

When possible, power-napping throughout the day will reboot your energy levels and renew your focus. It’s thought that as little as 20 minutes of shut-eye can improve your alertness, performance and mood; try This Works Deep Sleep Spray to help you drift off.

And finally, right the wrongs of your skin and enlist the aid of a hydrating mask – La Mer’s Intensive Revitalizing Mask is our go-to. For a hard-working concealer, try Charlotte Tilbury Magic Away Liquid Concealer, which can work wonders on tired, lackluster skin and help you to look refreshed – even if you feel anything but.

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