Hey New Jersey, People Lose Sleep When They Are “Home For The Holidays”

So it seems like it's counterproductive to be trying to celebrate the holidays but losing sleep over it? It's interesting how as we approach Thanksgiving this week, people will actually lose sleep simply being at home for the holidays, so how is this so?

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For me it's back to a Thanksgiving tradition, going to bed early. This year we are so very happy to be back out with you on Black Friday for early shopping at the beautiful Ocean County Mall on Hooper Avenue in Toms River. We will be at "Center Court On Location" beginning at 6 am when the doors open, so please come down (PJ's optional) and join us for some holiday fun.

OK I'm deviating from the topic, but my point is I have to be in bed early on Thanksgiving night to be ready for the 4 am wake-up call. Many however lose sleep on  Thanksgiving. According to a new survey by the Sleep Foundation, "U.S. adults lose an average of 11 minutes and 14 seconds of sleep every Thanksgiving, according to a survey. Stress and anxiety were the most popular reason for losing sleep, according to respondents (34.7%)."

Take a look at the findings of the SleepFoundation.Org. There are various categories and whether you gain or lose sleep. Some key findings of the study include:

• 36% of respondents say they drink more alcohol than normal on Thanksgiving
• Respondents lose 20 minutes of sleep when they stay at a relatives home for the Holidays
• 51.2% say overeating and drinking help them get a better nights sleep

Stress and anxiety seem to be the number one reason for losing sleep and that seems to be total "anti-holiday". I have a "no stress" policy at home for the holidays. It's simple, I don't have time for it, I just tune it out. I will admit I may have some stress if the Cowboys beat the Giants on Thanksgiving, but I even have overcome "sports" stress lol simply not worth it "you win some, you lose some".

Here are some additional tips for enjoying your Thanksgiving holiday from the article:

“Limit large meals and alcohol and get movement and fresh air, especially before sleep,” Dr. Dimitriu says. He also advises staying hydrated and quitting caffeine after noon. Planning is key for holiday hosts, says Dr. Holliday-Bell, even if it means setting aside time for inevitable chaos. It's also important to let others know when you’re feeling tired. “Making other people aware that [sleep is] something that you are prioritizing can be helpful so they can adjust their expectations,” she says. “If everyone’s more rested and has more energy, all those things can make everyone happier."

My Favorite Thanksgiving Special is "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" and my favorite Thanksgiving Movie is "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles"