For many parents, nothing is more of a challenge than trying to muddle through the day on a serious lack of sleep. Even if you’re blessed with children who sleep through from an early age, it can be rare to get through a week without at least a few disruptions. It can also be all too easy to get used to a lack of sleep, which makes adapting to a ‘normal’ routine tricky. If you’re a parent craving a good night’s sleep, here are simple tips to try.
Adopt your own routine
As a parent, you’re probably used to routines, but they usually involve your kids. You probably focus all your attention on trying to get your little ones into a regime and don’t think twice about your own. The truth is that sleep routines aren’t just for kids. Your body has a clock, and if you can get used to a pattern that suits you, this will be hugely beneficial for your health and wellbeing. If you’re one of those parents who finds themselves drifting off on the sofa in front of the TV, start going to bed earlier, and be as regimented with your regime as you are with your children’s. You can use a sleep tracking app or simply just work out how much sleep you need, and adapt your timetable accordingly. Try and stick to these times, even if you do get a rare opportunity to enjoy a lie-in.
Make your bedroom inviting and relaxing
Has your bedroom become a second playroom? Is it more of a noisy meeting place than a serene retreat? Many kids like to hang out in their parent’s bedrooms, but try and make this a tranquil place, where you can get some respite after a long day. Socialise with your children in their bedrooms or play together in the kitchen. By all means, have the kids in with you in the morning for cuddles, but try to keep this a relaxing space, especially in the evenings. If you’re fed up of perching on the edge of the bed while the kids sprawl out or you find it hard to get comfortable at night, have a look at some mattresses on websites like John Ryan by Design or take a trip to a showroom and try some different options for size. Make the room more cosy with lamps, cushions, and throws, and try and avoid bringing tablets and phones into your room. Ideally, you want to feel relaxed and calm the moment you walk through the door.
Switch off
This is easier said than done when you’re a parent, but it’s so important. Once the children have gone to bed, do something you find relaxing and enjoyable for an hour or so before you head up to your room. Run a bath, read a magazine or put some music on. Do some sewing, call a friend for a catch-up and chill out in front of the TV.
Image sourced from https://www.flickr.com/photos/footloosiety/5465559773
Parenting presents many challenges, including trying to power through the day on limited sleep. If you’re a tired parent, hopefully, you’ll find these tips handy.
**This is a collaborative post.
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