Finally! After what felt like hours of rocking, singing, nursing, and swaying…your baby is peacefully resting his head on his pillow, drifting into depths of dreamland. It may be late, but these are the few hours in the day you have all to yourself…after a long day of work, whatever that means for you.
You are finally ready to rest, but are feeling strangely wired, anxious, and awake. You know there is a long to do list waiting for you when you wake tomorrow, should you get started? Or should you finally lay on your inviting bed, get the sleep you know you need, and follow your baby into dreamland?
Sometimes mothers have difficulty giving themselves the permission to rest…but what is forgotten is that rest enables us to become better mothers, wives, professionals, and individuals all around. One way to do this to ensure you are able to get a good night’s sleep. Here are a few practices you can do to unwind and guarantee a truly deep and restful sleep.
1. Set a deadline for screen time. Experts advise to consciously avoid all screens at least 1-2 hours before bedtime to avoid a mental stimulation that could keep me you tossing and turning in your sheets for hours.
2. Save your bed for sleep and relaxation. Avoid working on your laptop or doing paperwork in bed so you can teach your body to associate your bed with rest, and only rest.
3. Chamomile tea. Chamomile has been found to be a soothing sleep inducer. Take a cup of tea at least 30 minutes before bedtime.
4. Lavender aroma oil/salves on your temples. Lavender aroma oils are one of the most widely used aroma oils in the world because of its numerous benefits. Beyond improving sleep quality, it also reduces anxiety and stress.
5. Night rituals – Create relaxing rituals that will signal your body and mind that it is time to sleep. Examples of these would be prayer, yoga, journaling, or reading.
6. Turn off the lights. Our brains secrete more melatonin in the dark, so as soon as you are ready for bed, turn off the lights in your bedroom.
7. Avoid big meals at night. If you can, keep your meals light and healthy. Heavier meals may cause discomfort due to indigestion, and spicy or acidic foods can cause heartburn.
8. Limit your caffeine intake late in the afternoon. Caffeine can cause sleep problems up to 12 hours after consumption, so if you are one who is sensitive to its effects, enjoy your last cup after lunch and strive to find other ways to maintain your energy levels until before bedtime.
9. Read a book. Mentally disconnect yourself from the day’s events by escaping into a book to relax and unwind.
10. Prepare for the next day. Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night feel stressed because you remembered you forgot to prepare for something you need the next day? Avoid these midnight attacks writing the next day’s to-do list right before bedtime, and preparing whatever you need for the next day.
We hope these tips will help you get the rest you not only need, but deserve. 😉
They say a mother’s work is never done…that may be true, but also remember that when you are happy, and healthy, your family will be happier and healthier too!