Holidays can be a time of joy, family, and fun—but they can also throw a wrench into your child’s sleep routine. Whether it’s late-night celebrations, travel to visit relatives, or adjusting to time zone changes, holiday sleep disruptions are a challenge for many parents. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.



In this episode of The Sleep Edit, Arielle Greenleaf and Dr. Craig Canapari discuss practical strategies for navigating holiday sleep challenges for children of all ages. From tips for maintaining flexibility while traveling, to handling sugar-fueled energy spikes and keeping routines intact, this conversation is packed with actionable advice to help your family enjoy the season while staying (relatively) well-rested. They’ll even share some pro tips, like the ultimate New Year’s Eve bedtime trick you won’t want to miss.



Remember: holiday sleep doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to work for you and your family. So, give yourself some grace, enjoy the cookies, and focus on the quality of your time together.



Links




Dr. Canapari's guide to Vacation "Sleep"



Dr. Canapari's guide to sleep and holiday travel



Studies on sugar consumption and sleep

Study of 287 children ages 8-12 showing no association between sugar and sleep or behavioral change



Study of 2600 children aged 6-12 showing that more sugar consumption was associated with decreased sleep duration



Metanalysis of studies of young children 0-5 showing worse diet and higher sugar intake were associated with lower sleep quality






Timestamps




00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer



01:13 Navigating Holiday Sleep Challenges



03:18 Travel Tips for Parents



06:04 Managing Sleep in Different Environments



13:30 Handling Naps and Bedtime During Holidays



22:19 Dealing with Food and Sugar



28:50 Final Tips and Holiday Wishes



30:53 Conclusion and Resources




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