If there is one thing that will bring you to Seder night feeling like a queen and not a schmatta (rag), it is making sure you get adequate sleep!

As much as there is to do, your sleep is too precious to compromise on. Getting enough sleep is actually one of the most crucial aspects of a fully functioning immune system. One of the immune system’s most powerful anti-cancer agents, known as tumour necrosis factor (TNF), is produced primarily during sleep. In one research experiment, one of the most significant factors in determining whether someone caught the common cold was how much sleep he got the night before exposure. In this busy pre-Pesach time, it is probably one of the worst times to get sick!

Sleep debt directly affects your cognitive, emotional and physical well-being. Research at the University of Pennsylvania demonstrated that, ‘people who get less than a full night’s sleep feel significantly less happy, more stressed, more physically frail, and more mentally and physically exhausted as a result.’ This is not how we want to go into the Pesach Seder!

It is very hard to get sleep when there is so much to do. Try to do only what is really essentially necessary. If possible try to delegate jobs to others. And at a certain time of day (or night), it is time to stop and take yourself to bed. I suggest setting an alarm to remind you that bedtime is approaching. If you have trouble falling asleep because you have so much on your mind - then write it down. With a good night’s sleep you will be able to greet Yom Tov with a happy mood, a calm mind, and be alert enough to fully enjoy your Seder.

If there is one thing that will bring you to Seder night feeling like a queen and not a schmatta (rag), it is making sure you get adequate sleep!

As much as there is to do, your sleep is too precious to compromise on. Getting enough sleep is actually one of the most crucial aspects of a fully functioning immune system. One of the immune system’s most powerful anti-cancer agents, known as tumour necrosis factor (TNF), is produced primarily during sleep. In one research experiment, one of the most significant factors in determining whether someone caught the common cold was how much sleep he got the night before exposure. In this busy pre-Pesach time, it is probably one of the worst times to get sick!

Sleep debt directly affects your cognitive, emotional and physical well-being. Research at the University of Pennsylvania demonstrated that, ‘people who get less than a full night’s sleep feel significantly less happy, more stressed, more physically frail, and more mentally and physically exhausted as a result.’ This is not how we want to go into the Pesach Seder!

It is very hard to get sleep when there is so much to do. Try to do only what is really essentially necessary. If possible try to delegate jobs to others. And at a certain time of day (or night), it is time to stop and take yourself to bed. I suggest setting an alarm to remind you that bedtime is approaching. If you have trouble falling asleep because you have so much on your mind - then write it down. With a good night’s sleep you will be able to greet Yom Tov with a happy mood, a calm mind, and be alert enough to fully enjoy your Seder.