Sleep Tips for Busy Moms

Moms have a job that’s not easy.  During the summer months in particular, it can be a lot of work keeping the kids happy and busy.  This juggling act can lead to a number of problems that keep moms from sleeping well.  Below is a list of tips, with help from British parenting website JuggleMum, to help moms (or mums) sleep better.

Wind down early: When you have young children, there’s a good chance one of them is going to wake you in the middle of the night.  Because of this, it’s best for moms to go to bed earlier than they would if they had older children.  It’s recommended that we all get seven to eight hours of sleep, but given the frequent interruptions, it’s best that moms go to bed nine hours before they have to get up.

Prepare for tomorrow, today: Spend just a little bit of time planning for the next day as soon as it’s “lights out” for the children.  Simple things like laying out clothes for the next day (for the kids and for yourself) or packing lunches for school or daycare will make you feel you have a jump on the next day, and help you relax.

Sleep in a dark room: This is something we here at SleepBetter frequently stress, and it’s truly important for moms given their somewhat unique schedule.  Moms frequently have to go to bed early to make sure they’re up with their little early birds, but it may be difficult because it’s still light outside or street lamps keep the bedroom bright.  Fixes like room darkening shades or, if that’s not an option, a sleep mask, can make a big difference in how well you rest at night.

Watch what you drink: A single glass of wine may be relaxing after the kids are asleep, but any more than that (or drinking it right before you go to bed) can disrupt your sleep patterns.  Obviously, avoiding caffeine at night or even in the late afternoon is a great idea as well.

Avoid long daytime naps: “Sleep when your children sleep” is an adage that moms have lived by for ages.  It means when the kids nap, you should take a nap as well.  It’s sound advice, but limit your naps to no more than 30 minutes.  Any longer than that, and you could wake up groggy and have trouble sleeping at night.

Some of these tips are easy, while others take a little adjustment, but obviously a well rested and healthy mum is one of the best things you can provide for your child!