THE WAKE UP TIMES
November 2026 | Light Awake
🍂 November Gratitude
A Season of Gratitude, Rest & Renewal
November brings crisp autumn mornings, colorful leaves, family gatherings, and an opportunity to reflect on what truly matters. Gratitude also means appreciating our bodies, honoring our need for rest, and creating healthier ways to begin each day.
This Thanksgiving, give thanks for the gift of rest.
The Science of Gratitude and Sleep
Research suggests that regularly reflecting on positive experiences may be associated with better subjective sleep quality. Gratitude may help quiet bedtime worry, encourage relaxation, and support emotional well-being.
Sleep tip: Before bedtime, write down three things you are thankful for—a warm meal, a kind word, or a peaceful moment.
Thanksgiving Sleep Survival Guide
- Plan your bedtime the night before. Think ahead about tomorrow’s commitments and choose a realistic bedtime that allows enough sleep.
- Enjoy morning light. Spend time outside after waking to support your circadian rhythm and daytime alertness.
- Be mindful of holiday meals. Enjoy seasonal favorites, but remember that large meals close to bedtime may disrupt sleep.
- Keep your sleep environment cozy. Make your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet, with comfortable bedding.
- Give yourself permission to rest. Between travel, family, and work, remember that rest is essential—not a luxury.
A Special Thank You to Our Night Shift Heroes
While many gather around Thanksgiving tables, healthcare professionals, first responders, and other essential workers will be serving their communities. We are grateful for those who care for others while much of the world sleeps.
- Protect daytime sleep with blackout curtains and a quiet environment.
- Use appropriately timed light exposure to support alertness during shifts.
- Limit caffeine in the hours before planned sleep.
- Communicate your sleep needs to family and friends during the holidays.
November Challenge: Seven Days of Gratitude
- Morning: Begin with natural light and one positive intention.
- Afternoon: Pause to appreciate something meaningful.
- Evening: Reflect on three things you are grateful for.
- Before bed: Put away distractions and unwind.
Gratitude Around the World: Different Ways to Give Thanks
Thanksgiving is one expression of gratitude, but cultures around the world have distinct holidays, harvest gatherings, and traditions for honoring community, family, and the natural world.
Korea — Chuseok: A major autumn harvest holiday when many families reunite, honor ancestors, and share traditional foods such as songpyeon.
Japan — Labor Thanksgiving Day: Observed on November 23, Kinro Kansha no Hi recognizes work, contributions to society, and mutual appreciation; it is distinct from North American Thanksgiving.
Ghana’s Homowo: Celebrated by Ga communities, Homowo recalls overcoming famine and includes food sharing, gatherings, and expressions of abundance and resilience. This tradition teaches us gratitude not only about appreciating abundance but also remembering the difficult seasons that came before it.
Nigeria’s New Yam Festival: In many Igbo communities, this harvest celebration honors the new yam crop through shared meals, cultural performances, and gratitude for the harvest.
A shared invitation: Whatever your traditions, consider taking a quiet moment this season to appreciate the people who support you, the food that nourishes you, and the rest that restores you.
A Message from Our Founder
This Thanksgiving season, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who believes in our mission. As a physician, mother, and founder, I understand how easily sleep can be sacrificed amid work, family responsibilities, and everyday demands.
Sleep is not wasted time. It is an essential biological process supporting physical health, emotional resilience, memory, and well-being. This November, I encourage you to be thankful not only for everything you accomplish, but also for the moments when you allow yourself to rest.
May your Thanksgiving be filled with gratitude, meaningful connections, peaceful nights, and brighter mornings.
With gratitude,
Katherine Hurst, MSc, MD
Founder CEO Inventor Light Awake
Happy Thanksgiving! • Rest with gratitude. Wake with purpose.
