12 Ways to Gift Yourself Sleep This Winter

9. Air quality and humidity: protect sleep and sinuses in dry winter air

Indoor heating often dries the air in winter, which can irritate nasal passages and disrupt restful breathing. Adding humidity in the bedroom can soothe airways, reduce snoring related to dryness, and make sleep more comfortable. A cool-mist humidifier with regular cleaning is a straightforward option. Place it where it won’t drip on electronics, and monitor humidity to avoid excessive dampness that promotes mold; aim for a comfortable midrange. Saline nasal sprays before bed can also ease congestion, and pillow materials that wick moisture and stay breathable support comfortable breathing. These small environmental changes often translate to fewer night wakings and more consolidated sleep.

10. Strategic naps: recharge without wrecking nighttime sleep

Short, well-timed naps can be winter lifelines when daylight fatigue or caregiving duties slow your daytime energy. Keep naps brief—about 20 minutes—and schedule them early in the afternoon so they don’t interfere with sleep onset at night. Longer naps or late naps can delay sleep drive and fragment nighttime rest, so treat longer daytime sleep as a signal you may need an earlier bedtime instead. For people with limited nighttime sleep, sometimes a slightly longer restorative nap helps catch up, but plan a gradual shift to earlier bedtimes over a few days if you rely on naps frequently. Use naps strategically: they’re a supplement, not a solution, and they work best when combined with consistent nighttime habits.