Being a mum is exhausting. There’s a job to do or somebody to help at nearly every hour of the day, and it’s very common for mums to feel run down and tired. Getting a good night’s sleep is important for preparing your mind and body for the busy day ahead, and it can even reduce your risk of long-term health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. With that in mind, here are five easy steps you can take to sleep better as a mum.
1. Make Your Bed as Comfortable as Possible
It’s always easier to sleep when your bed is super comfortable, so take some steps to make yours a night-time haven.
Treat yourself to new pillows. Kally Sleep offers incredible pillows for side sleepers, back sleepers and front sleepers; for people with anxiety; for people suffering from acid reflux; and even for people who run too hot or too cold. Get the right pillows for your needs and get comfy!
You could also buy a new duvet set and soft sheets to improve your bed’s comfort rating. Egyptian cotton is well regarded, and you could buy satin or silk pillow cases to make your bed feel more luxurious (this will also work wonders for your skin and hair!).
2. Establish a Night-Time Routine
Think of the way you put your kids to bed: a bath, a bedtime story, a kiss goodnight… Why don’t you do the same for yourself?
Setting up a bedtime routine is a great way to get into the right frame of mind for sleep. Have a cup of chamomile tea and avoid looking at any screens for an hour or two before bed. Read a book for a while before you turn off the light. Find a way to switch off and see if it helps you to sleep better.
3. Relax
It’s not always easy to find the time to relax as a mum, but it’s essential to make time for yourself. Even a 10-minute meditation session or putting a couple of drops of lavender oil or a pillow spray on your pillow could help you to relax and drift off.
4. Cool Down
Do you ever wake up in the night feeling hot? If this is more than just a rare occurrence, your bedroom is probably too warm.
The ideal temperature for sleeping is thought to be about 16 to 19 degrees Celsius. If your room is much warmer than this, your body will probably find it too hot to sleep comfortably. Open a window or turn down your radiator before you go to bed to see if this helps you fall asleep and stay asleep.
5. Wear a Sleep Mask
If you struggle to sleep when there’s any light in the room, an eye mask could make a big difference. It’s a much cheaper purchase than black-out blinds or curtains, but it should have the same effect.
Do whatever it takes to get a good night’s sleep every night. Feeling well rested after a full eight hours (remember that feeling?) will allow you to be the best mum you can be.