Great news! Your little one is finally getting some shut-eye. You’ve waited for this moment for what seems like a lifetime. So, why are you still awake?
We’re sure you’re not surprised by the fact that women with children living at home are more likely to be sleep-deprived than women without kids in the house. But did you know that studies show each little one in your home increases your odds of insufficient ZZZs by 50%? We’ll give you a moment to process that tidbit of information.
If you’re as floored as we were when we first learned this, we bet you’re already brainstorming how to get more sleep STAT. Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of mom-approved sleep tips to help you clock more quality time in bed so you have more energy to play with your little one… and more patience when a tantrum is in full swing.
Give yourself a bedtime, too.
There’s not a single member of your family that appreciates you staying up until the wee hours of the morning overthinking for them. In fact, a lackluster night of sleep can make you more irritable than usual the next morning. Your children aren’t the only ones that need a bedtime. You can actually train your body for bedtime by setting a regular sleep schedule and sticking to it.
Naps aren’t just for children.
Don't squander away your kid's naptime on crossing tasks off of your to-do list. Make the most out of it by closing your eyes, too. A short nap can give you the energy you need to make it through the rest of the day. Keep naps to a maximum of twenty minutes to recharge without throwing off your sleep cycle.
Don’t rely on caffeine.
We won’t fault you your morning coffee, but be aware of how much caffeine you’re taking in throughout the day. Since it’s a stimulant, caffeine can keep you alert for hours after consumption. This means that too much caffeine can actually prevent you from falling asleep when you finally get the chance to lie down. Limit the amount of caffeine you take in after 2pm - coffee, tea, and soda included.
Trade in devices that emit blue light for sleep-inducing activities.
We know how tempting it can be to kick your feet up, flip on the television, and scroll through your Instagram feed after you put your little one to bed. Screen time before you’re about to go to sleep can be detrimental to the quality of your ZZZs. The blue light emitted from phones, tablets, computers, and televisions tricks your brain into thinking it’s daytime instead of time to go to bed. Shut off electronics 30-60 minutes before bed and open a book or turn on soothing music to relax so you can fall asleep more quickly.
We hope these tips help you get the sleep you deserve. Happy Mother’s Day!