We can all benefit from the many advantages that having a great night’s sleep can bring, from improved concentration to raised energy levels. These benefits are especially useful if you’re a busy mom, as we all know that while being a mom can be incredibly rewarding, it can also be draining both mentally and physically. Unfortunately, many parents find it hard to get a good sleep, especially when their children are young, and this can leave them feeling tired and irritable. It doesn’t have to be like that, as if you follow our five handy hints below you can really boost your chances of having a good, revitalizing sleep.
1. Be Prepared for Your Baby to Interrupt Your Sleep
The first in our five tips is specifically for parents of new babies and very young parents. Quite simply, you won’t be able to enjoy the same sleep patterns as you once had during these initial months, but preparation can greatly reduce the impact it has on the quality of your sleep. The old adage of sleeping when your baby sleeps is a useful one to remember. Babies can fall asleep at any time, and this can be a great opportunity for you to grab some shut eye too. If you live with your partner, it’s important to draw up a rota so that you take it in turns answering alarm calls, and that you learn to sleep while your other half looks after your new arrival.
2. Establish a Regular Bed Time for Your Children
As your children grow older, they’ll increasingly not want to go to bed when you tell them to, but it’s important to remember that you’re the adult and that means that you’re in charge. Don’t allow your child to stay up past their allotted bedtime on a regular basis, unless perhaps it’s a special occasion such as a birthday. At first, the resistance you encounter from your child may feel traumatic, and it’s easy to give in rather than see your child upset, but the sooner you set rules regarding bedtime, and stick to them, the better it will be for all concerned and your child will soon learn that any resistance is unlikely to succeed. This is better for you and for your child, as you’ll both be getting the sleep that you need.
3. Strengthen Your Immune System
One of the most common reasons for interrupted sleep in people of all ages is a depressed immune system, and lack of sleep can often exacerbate this problem, creating a vicious circle of sleepless nights accompanied by a succession of illnesses. In these circumstances, Immutol PM from Immunocorp could be an ideal solution. It’s an immune support system in the form of a tablet, and many users have found that its night time formula gives them a great night’s sleep. The reason for this is that amongst other active ingredients, each capsule contains 10mg of melatonin, also known as the sleep-inducing hormone. Taking just two capsules before sleep can really improve the length and quality of your sleep, as well as boosting your immune system as a whole.
4. Avoid Stimulants at Night
At the end of a busy day parenting, it can be tempting to reach for a glass of wine, or to make ourselves a refreshing cup of coffee or tea, but enjoying these drinks too close to bedtime can be counterproductive. These drinks can stimulate the nervous system at a time when you want it to be relaxing in preparation for sleep, so avoiding them for at least two hours before you head to bed can bring noticeable improvements in your ability to get to sleep. Chocolate is another stimulant to avoid, as are fizzy drinks and fruit juices because of their high sugar content.
5. Turn Off the Screens
We’re all spending more and more time looking at screens, whether they be on our televisions, tablets or mobile phones, but looking at them too close to bedtime can be a big mistake. Studies have shown that the blue light emitted by many screens can be highly disruptive to sleep patterns, so if you look at your social media profiles on your phone before hitting the pillow, you might find it hard to get to sleep. Avoid looking at screens in the hour before you head to bed; many people find that reading a book during this time is much more conducive to good sleep. It’s important that you ensure that your children follow this rule too, because there are few things that they like more than looking at a phone screen whenever they get the chance.
Whether you’re the parent of a baby, a toddler or a teenager, having a good, uninterrupted sleep can bring benefits that you and your children notice. Dietary supplements such as Immutol PM can help with this, as can avoiding stimulants and blue light before bedtime. When you sleep well, you’ll feel ready to take on the world, and as a busy mom that’s exactly what you need.