During the holiday season, you may be thrilled at the prospect of having your loved ones over. What's not to like about being under the same roof, sharing a meal and even bickering over the proper way to load the dishwasher? 

If you're expecting out-of-town family to stay with you, plan to set up guest sleeping quarters that will make everyone feel comfortable and welcome. You can even add some sleep gifts to your guest space — because quality sleep is important, especially during the holidays. 

Cousins and siblings may cram into sleeping bags on the floor and spend all night giggling and reminiscing in the movies, but in reality, those accommodations can lead to a lack of sleep and possible grumpiness the next day. 

Here are 11 tried and tested ideas for creating a cozy guest refuge: 

1. Sleep like your guests

Whether you have a dedicated guest room or need to move furniture to accommodate a folding cot, test out the bed and the sleeping space before guests arrive. Then you'll know if the den is too drafty for sleeping, if the shades in the living room don't close properly or if the ticking of the clock in the office will keep people awake — and fix it.

2. KEEP IT DARK

Exposure to light can disrupt sleeping patterns, so make sure your guests have blinds or drapes that help them get quality shut-eye. If they are sleeping in a living room without a way to block out light, you can offer them a True Temp™ weighted eye mask, which will aid with relaxation, too. The masks are easy to wash after each guest.

3. SEE THE BIG PICTuRE

If you and your guests will spend a lot of time on video calls or watching football games over the holidays, stock up on day blue-light-blocking glasses to reduce digital eye strain.

4. WORK OUT THE KINKS

Traveling — be it by plane, train or automobile — can be hard on the body, especially when there's limited leg room and heavy bags involved. A NIMBL mini massage gun in the guest room will be an appreciated extra touch for those who show up with tired muscles. 

5. Upgrade where you can

Few folks can afford a bed designated specifically for guests in a separate room. But that doesn't mean guests have to suffer in the basement. Invest in a few niceties, such as True Temp™ pillows that adjust for temperature throughout the night and wick away moisture. These foam pillows are perfect for those allergic to feather pillows. All Sleep Number^® pillows come in three different shapes, like PlushComfort™ pillows. Keep your eyes peeled for bedding deals on Black Friday or Cyber Monday if your guests are arriving later in the season.

6. Stock up and stack up

Aunt Alice might not want to bother you if she needs an extra blanket, but she may feel even more awkward rifling through your linen closet. Make it easy by leaving an extra faux fur throw (or premium faux fur throw) in the room where she's sleeping. Consider a True Temp™ weighted blanket, too. It offers even pressure for deeper relaxation, plus moisture-wicking properties.

7. Keep it quiet

Lots of people in the house means there could be lots of sleep-disrupting noise. A sleep sound therapy system helps block out TVs, footsteps and conversations with 20 different options of white noise. Consider stocking up on earplugs, too, for folks not used to sharing rooms. 

8. Add more mirrors

If you have a full house, chances are you have full bathrooms, too. Alleviate some congestion with a mirror in the bedroom for tasks like applying makeup. That way someone can take a shower while someone else is blow-drying their hair.

9. Freshen up those sheets

Of course, you put away your extra sheets when they were clean. But if they've been packed in a linen closet since last year, rewash them before making the beds to ensure they aren't musty. If your bedding has been around for many holiday seasons, consider getting a Winter Soft™ sheet set; they'll keep your guests warm and comfortable.

10. Think ahead

If someone is sleeping in the living room or your home office, grab anything you might need from that room the night before to avoid interruptions. If you still have a landline, turn down the volume.

11. Wrap some sleep gifts

Want a thoughtful present for your guests to continue their comfy sleep hygiene when they are en route? How about a memory foam travel pillow perfect for the return trip? 

And make sure you're getting the best quality sleep you can while being the host or hostess with the most. Sleepers who routinely use their Sleep Number 360® smart bed technology can get 28 minutes more restful sleep per night — that's up to 170 hours per year!* 

Like diet and exercise, quality sleep has a profound impact on your physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. Because no two people sleep the same, Sleep Number 360^® smart beds, with SleepIQ^® technology, sense your movements and automatically adjust firmness, comfort and support to keep you both sleeping comfortably and provide proven quality sleep. Find your Sleep Number® setting for your best possible night's sleep, and if you own a Sleep Number^® bed, log in to your InnerCircle℠ Rewards account to see your exclusive offers, refer friends and more. 

*Based on average SleepIQ^® data from 8/1/21 - 2/28/22 of sleepers engaging with Sleep Number^® setting, SleepIQ^® data and FlexFit™ adjustable base vs. sleepers who have those features but didn't similarly engage with them. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

A Nashville-based freelance journalist, Margaret Littman's work has appeared in Real Simple, USA Today, AARP magazine, AAA World, Conde Nast Traveler, and Preservation, among others.