I am always looking for brand new ways to get the kids sleeping for longer. I love them, but I also love a bit of me time with my BF and a glass of wine. What I have come to realise now that I am a mother is that I need to concentrate on my sleep patterns.
Because I don’t get much of it (shocker), I feel as if I need to capitalise on the sleep I do get while the little ones are in bed. And, I think that I’m not alone as all parents have to feel this way. That is why I have decided to do a post about sleep tips for mums and dads. After all, we need it just as much as they do at times!
Just because we are adults doesn’t mean that we need a bed time. We need a bedtime just as much as kids do because it all about creating a routine. The more that I can go to bed on time, the more refreshed I feel in the morning. The trick is to set the routine off of the kid’s routine. I always try and get to bed so that I get a good seven hours sleep before they wake up and a new day begins. So, if my kids get up at seven in the morning, I’m in bed for no later than twelve.
Avoid Sleeping In At Weekends
I don’t know many parents that get this privilege because kids never change their routine! But, don’t go overboard if you are lucky enough to have a lie in. The best tip I heard was a couple of hours at the weekend puts us off our weekly routine. Then, we are trying to make up for that lost sleep throughout the next week. And, the cycle continues until we are flat on our feet and about to collapse. An hour here or there is fine, but a drastic change isn’t a good idea.
Nap During The Day
Kids don’t always stay up and cause havoc. Even my kids take a break during the day! They might have a nap, or they might be at school. Either way, it is an opportunity that I don’t like to waste. When I have free time, I try and catch up on my sleep if I feel tired. I once read an article that said the best way to catch up on sleep was to nap during the day. Then, at night, go to bed at the same time. As soon as I read it, I thought it was a great idea. I hope you do too because it beats doing the dishes!
Change The Mattresses
We don’t give our mattresses the respect they deserve. When it comes to sleep, they play a major part in our lives. Yet, we dismiss them like they are nothing. Well, I know that a change of mattress can do wonders for my sleep. I especially like a Tempur or memory foam mattress as they are so comfy. Still, it is always a good idea to do independent research before making a decision. For my readers that like the sound of a memory foam, take a look at this Tempur mattress advice . The important thing to remember is that it should suit our needs and sleep more likely.
Redesign The Bedroom
I didn’t realise how much of an effect light has on my sleep. Not just light from the outside, but the light from my bedroom. For instance, there are colours that are prone to make us drowsy. There are dark, deep colours like maroon and dark blue. Colours like light yellow and bright pink are more likely to keep us awake. So, I think it is a great idea to redecorate the room so that it matches my sleep needs. I haven’t got around to it yet, but I am confident it will work. I am also going to switch the blinds for curtains. Curtains block light that gets in our eyes and stirs us from our sleep.
Get Rid Of Electricals
My last tip isn’t a nice one, but it is effective. Yes, getting rid of our electrical appliances will promote sleep. The radiation and light from electricals get into our systems and prevents sleep. So, it is time to say bye-bye to the TV and the laptop! If, like me, you want to watch TV before bed, watch it downstairs and then go straight to sleep.
I hope these tips work for you as they have for me. I feel so much better and refreshed!
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