Published on
December 24, 2025
By: Tuhin Sarkar
Addiction experts have revealed a surprising sleep hack that can help recovering addicts avoid relapse during the holiday festivities. As the holiday season often brings heightened temptations, this simple but effective strategy can be the key to staying sober through the celebrations.
According to Helen Wells, Clinical Director at The Dawn Rehab Thailand, adjusting your sleep schedule can significantly reduce the chances of cravings and relapse. This sleep hack is an essential tool for anyone in recovery, making it easier to navigate the holidays. Travel And Tour World urges you to read on to discover how you can use this strategy to stay on track.
Why the Holiday Season is a Tough Time for Recovering Addicts
The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, but for those in recovery from addiction, it can also be filled with immense temptation. With the abundance of social gatherings, alcohol, and sometimes drugs, the risk of relapse during this period is heightened. Helen Wells, Clinical Director at The Dawn Rehab Thailand, reveals a surprising yet simple sleep hack that could significantly reduce the risk of relapse.
In a study published in Frontiers in Physiology, New Year’s Eve was shown to have more than double the usual alcohol consumption, with 74% of participants reporting alcohol use compared to 31% on typical days. The temptation to relapse is greater during the holidays, and managing it requires new, effective strategies. Read More
One such strategy is strategically adjusting your sleep schedule to help you stay clear-headed and avoid the emotional triggers that often lead to cravings. Wells explains that by resetting your sleep cycle, you can avoid the critical high-vulnerability periods that make you most likely to relapse.
The Role of Sleep in Addiction Recovery: A Powerful Tool Against Temptation
Sleep has long been recognized as essential for mental and physical health, but it can also play a crucial role in addiction recovery. Wells explains that sleep disruptions during the holidays—when routines are thrown off—can cause a rise in cravings, which may trigger a relapse. Research from Harvard Medical School shows that when holidays like Christmas fall on weekdays, such as December 25, sleep patterns change dramatically, with sleep onset delayed by up to 88 minutes on New Year’s Eve. This disruption can worsen vulnerability to temptation.
Many people in recovery face their strongest cravings in the evening, especially when social events are happening, and family members may be drinking. Instead of suffering through this vulnerable time, adjusting your sleep schedule can be an effective way to avoid cravings and stay sober.
Why the Holiday Season is a Tough Time for Recovering Addicts
The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, but for those in recovery from addiction, it can also be filled with immense temptation. With the abundance of social gatherings, alcohol, and sometimes drugs, the risk of relapse during this period is heightened. Helen Wells, Clinical Director at The Dawn Rehab Thailand, reveals a surprising yet simple sleep hack that could significantly reduce the risk of relapse.
In a study published in Frontiers in Physiology, New Year’s Eve was shown to have more than double the usual alcohol consumption, with 74% of participants reporting alcohol use compared to 31% on typical days. The temptation to relapse is greater during the holidays, and managing it requires new, effective strategies. Read More
One such strategy is strategically adjusting your sleep schedule to help you stay clear-headed and avoid the emotional triggers that often lead to cravings. Wells explains that by resetting your sleep cycle, you can avoid the critical high-vulnerability periods that make you most likely to relapse.
The Role of Sleep in Addiction Recovery: A Powerful Tool Against Temptation
Sleep has long been recognized as essential for mental and physical health, but it can also play a crucial role in addiction recovery. Wells explains that sleep disruptions during the holidays—when routines are thrown off—can cause a rise in cravings, which may trigger a relapse. Research from Harvard Medical School shows that when holidays like Christmas fall on weekdays, such as December 25, sleep patterns change dramatically, with sleep onset delayed by up to 88 minutes on New Year’s Eve. This disruption can worsen vulnerability to temptation.
Many people in recovery face their strongest cravings in the evening, especially when social events are happening, and family members may be drinking. Instead of suffering through this vulnerable time, adjusting your sleep schedule can be an effective way to avoid cravings and stay sober.
The Psychological Benefits of Strategic Napping in Recovery
Taking strategic naps doesn’t only help with cravings—it also helps with mental clarity and emotional regulation. During the holiday season, with the pressure to socialize and meet expectations, it’s easy for those in recovery to feel overwhelmed. But recharging with a short nap during high-risk hours can prevent emotional burnout and help individuals stay focused on their recovery goals.
Wells emphasizes the importance of knowing your triggers and adjusting your daily schedule to avoid those vulnerable moments. This nap strategy helps manage emotions and refocus the mind, making it easier to resist temptation. When you’re well-rested, you’re not just fighting cravings—you’re in a better emotional state to make the right choices for your recovery.
