Super Sleep Tips For Exhausted Mums

If you're struggling to get enough sleep as a mum, don’t worry - you are not alone. And it’s entirely normal, of course. Not only will you have to get up and attend your little ones several times a night, but you will even find it tough to sleep purely down to the worrying factor.

But let’s be honest, the longer you aren’t getting proper sleep, the worse it is for your health. A good night’s sleep will give you the energy you need to be a good mum, heal your body and mind from the stresses and strains of the day, and brighten your mood by a significant amount.

So, it’s not enough to just ‘put up with it’ - you have to be proactive about avoiding sleep deprivation wherever possible. And it only takes a few minor changes to your days and nights to ensure you are getting enough shuteye. Let’s take a look at some of your options.

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Be serious about sleep

First and foremost, start thinking about sleep. It sounds obvious, but many mums - particularly new ones - just plough ahead and accept things as they are. It’s not a case of deserving a good sleep - you, your body, and your mind actually need it. Don’t ignore your sleeping needs or it could have a grave impact on your health, not to mention an adverse effect on your ability to look after your children.

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Can’t sleep? Just relax

You don’t have to sleep to get the benefits of shuteye, of course. Even lying down on the sofa with your eyes closed for half an hour can have an enormous impact on your restorative powers. The key is to make sure you have times to relax - perhaps when your baby has their nap, for example. Many mums use this time to clear up and get things done, but if you are always exhausted, you will be better served taking some time out.

Get help for nighttime feeds

Whether you are breastfeeding or not, it’s possible to get help for nighttime feeds - but you need to ask for that help. Whether it’s your partner, mother, or mother-in-law, all you need to do is express some milk and let them bottle feed baby. Even if you only get help once or twice a week, it can do you a lot of favours, so don’t be afraid of asking for assistance - it's not a sign of weakness, it’s necessary for your health!

Get comfortable

How good is your mattress? If you haven’t changed it for a while, it might be worth investigating buying a new one.  As John Ryan by Design points out, the type of mattress you need depends on a broad variety of factors, from your height and weight through to whether you have a slatted or Divan bed. Don't forget, a good mattress can seriously improve the quality of your sleep - and even your snoring - as you will move around far less and be a lot more comfortable.

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Avoid screens

Before you go to bed, do you watch TV or use your smartphone to catch up with friends, news, or ebooks? If so, perhaps you would be better off reading a real book or magazine instead. The glare from TV and tablet screens has an energising effect on your brain, and when you eventually go to bed, you will still be alert and awake - possibly for some time afterward. You might try listening to the radio, too, or perhaps an audiobook.

Don’t feel desperate

When you are not used to sleepless nights, it can be tempting to feel they will last forever. But these thoughts could be contributing to your problem. You could be developing an anxiety about not sleeping that is creating a self-fulfilling prophecy, and it’s important to remember that this particular stage won’t last forever. As your kids get older, they will start to go through the night all the way through. As a rule, babies will start to sleep through at around six months, and although it is not uncommon for the waking period to last a little longer, you can rest assured it will happen eventually.

Avoid coffee

Coffee can seem like your best friend after you have had a rough night. But the reality is that it could be preventing you from sleeping. A cup or two in the morning is OK, but you certainly shouldn’t be drinking any caffeine in the afternoon - and definitely not at night.

Hopefully, these simple tips might give you everything you need to get a better night’s sleep. Good luck!