The time between Christmas Day and New Year can often feel like a blur amid the excessive partying, and it's easy to forget what day it is. However, as you prolong the festivities, you could unknowingly be causing harm to your body.
As people's alcohol intake tends to be higher during the festive period, hours of sleep usually drop. According to experts, lack of sleep can become "dangerous" and unhealthy, so it's vital that you put your health first ahead of the party season.
Surprisingly, the hours you ensure your body is well rested are a lot higher than you might think.
Founder of Easy Sleep Guide Penny Albright revealed that getting less than seven hours of sleep a night over a two-week period is considered "dangerous".
She told the Mirror: "Getting less than seven hours sleep a night over a prolonged period (sometimes as little as two weeks!) can become dangerous.
"So, whilst the Christmas parties look tempting, don't overdo it and maybe have a day off here and there to recharge and catch up on lost sleep"
She advised: "My recommendation is to go out, let your hair down but make sure you put your last glass down around four hours before sleep. If you don't do this, the brain and body don't have enough time to settle down and unwind into a deep sleep."
Soma Breath founder and holistic health expert Niraj Naik shared the numerous warning signs that your body could be telling you when you need more rest.
He says that ignoring these signs could cause harm to your body.
Sharing her expertise with the Mirror, he explained: "Everyone needs different amounts of sleep. Generally, you know if you need more sleep if you are feeling irritable, lethargic, brain fog, slow cognitive function, or craving sugary drinks - look out for these symptoms and if they go on for more than three-four days in a row, you are causing harm to the body.
"The best way to deal with them is to sleep, and not resort to caffeine or energy drinks."
Niraj has listed vital steps to encourage a peaceful night's rest if you believe that you're lacking hours.
He said: "If you feel that you are struggling to fall asleep after partying, you can use these exercises to help you fall asleep with greater ease and to have a deep and restful night's sleep.
"Sit comfortably in an upright position with your back straight. Take a quick inhalation through your nose.
"Purse your lips and gently breathe the air out of your mouth very slowly as though you are breathing out through a straw. Do not tense your muscles while doing this - be as relaxed as possible.
"As you exhale, imagine a wave of relaxation flowing down your body from top to bottom.
Niraj continued: "Repeat the process several times for around five-ten minutes a day. The longer the duration, the more effective it is for lowering your blood pressure and heart rate.
"You can also hold your breath for a few seconds before repeating the next round, gradually increasing the breath hold time each time you repeat for an even deeper effect."
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