As the clock strikes midnight and the calendar flips to a new year, many of us are filled with a sense of optimism and a determination to make positive changes in our lives. Whether it's getting fitter, learning a new skill, or simply being more organised, New Year's resolutions are a time-honoured tradition. However, despite our best intentions, statistics reveal a sobering truth: two-thirds of people abandon their resolutions before they've had a chance to blossom into lasting habits.


But before you resign yourself to the idea that resolutions are just wishful thinking, experts have uncovered a 'secret' that could dramatically increase your chances of success. It's not a magic pill or a revolutionary time management system; it's something far more fundamental—sleep.


Recent research, including a study conducted by academic scholars and reported by the Telegraph, has highlighted the crucial role that sleep plays in the success or failure of our New Year's resolutions. The study, led by Benjamin Gardener of the University of Surrey, followed over 100 individuals, monitoring their sleep patterns and daily behaviours. The findings were clear: a lack of sleep significantly increased the likelihood of reverting to old, undesirable habits such as binge eating or skipping exercise in favour of screen time.


The reason behind this is that tiredness triggers our brains to switch to 'autopilot' mode, relying on ingrained behaviors that require less mental effort. When we're well-rested, our brains have the energy to make conscious, deliberate choices that align with our goals. But when we're sleep-deprived, our willpower wanes, and we're more likely to fall back on the familiar and comfortable—often the very habits we're trying to change.

Dr Amanda Rebar, co-author of the study and associate professor at the University of South Carolina, further explains that while habitual actions can be beneficial when they're healthy, they can also lead us astray when they're not. The key is to establish good habits that our brains will default to even when we're tired.

So, how can we use this knowledge to our advantage? Here are some tips to help you stick to your resolutions by prioritizing sleep:


1. Create a Sleep-Conducive Environment: Ensure your bedroom is quiet, dark, and cool. Consider investing in blackout curtains, earplugs, or a white noise machine if necessary.

2. Establish a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Engage in calming activities before bed, such as reading, taking a warm bath, or practicing meditation to signal to your body that it's time to wind down.

3. Stick to a Sleep Schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Consistency reinforces your body's sleep-wake cycle.


4. Limit Screen Time Before Bed: The blue light emitted by phones, tablets, and computers can interfere with your ability to fall asleep. Set a technology curfew an hour before bedtime.

5. Watch Your Diet: Avoid heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol close to bedtime, as they can disrupt sleep.

6. Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper sleep—just don't exercise too close to bedtime.

7. Manage Stress: Keep your stress levels in check with techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or journaling.


By making sleep a cornerstone of your New Year's resolution strategy, you're setting yourself up for success. Remember, it's not just about the hours of sleep you get, but the quality of that sleep. So, as you embark on your journey towards a better you in the new year, don't underestimate the power of a good night's rest.
We'd love to hear from you, our wise and experienced readers. Have you noticed a link between sleep and your ability to maintain resolutions? What strategies do you use to ensure you're getting enough rest? Share your insights and tips in the comments below, and let's support each other in making this year's resolutions stick!