When I was researching for this article, I had no idea that there was a whole website dedicated to World Sleep Day. This day was started by healthcare professionals, so you can tell how important sleep is to your overall sleep. As a mom of three boys and two dogs, I was just looking for ideas on how to get more quality sleep. You can submit activities to help others sleep and raise awareness. Their motto is “Quality Sleep, Sound Mind, Happy World,” which I fully support for all us moms and anyone for that matter.
My parents always preached to us to have a good night’s sleep, so we would do well at school the next, especially on test days. I was always a fan of sleep, so never had to be told to go sleep. My boys take bedtime as a time to play and think of anything to do besides sleep. Here are a few things I try to do to help them sleep, in honor of World Sleep Day:
Make a routine and stick to it.
Just like they have a school schedule, kids should have a bedtime routine as well. I know this is easier said than done, but I assure you it gets easier the more you stick to it.
Turn off screens a few hours before bedtime.
I know this is hard for me to do myself because I enjoy watching my TV shows after the boys are in bed.
Read a book.
My boys were never a fan of books at bedtime when they were younger, but have grown to enjoy them now. I used to always fall asleep reading chapters in textbooks in school, but thankfully am able to read now without dozing off.
Take a hot bath or shower.
I like to add Epsom salt and my favorite essential oil blends to my bath or use shower steamers for the same effect. My boys absolutely love bath bombs, but can be expensive so the sleepy-time baby bath works well too.
Dreamcatchers
I added dreamcatchers to my boys’ rooms after they have bad dreams sometimes. I know this is more of superstition, but if it helps then I am all for it. Kids have enough to worry about during the day.
Listen to soothing music.
I used to always fall asleep with my favorite radio station on the boombox on my headboard. Now, that could mean for an interesting soundtrack to some of my dreams, but it worked for me. I highly recommend Lofi music which helped my boys during NTI anxiety.
Stretch or practice yoga.
I love doing a quick stretch workout before bedtime. There is nothing worse than waking up with an ache from a sore muscle or stiff neck.
Drink some tea.
I have heard some people swear by a cup of tea before bedtime although I have never been able to drink hot tea. Call it a Southern girl curse as we only drink sweet tea.
Meditate or do breathing exercises.
This can be done easily with your stretch or workout routines.
I have to lay everything out the night before so my mornings go as smooth as possible. I lay my boys’ uniforms out, pack lunches, straighten up the living room and kitchen, make sure I didn’t leave anything in the washer, and do any other special things for school activities(i.e. theme day, dress down day, etc.) If I do not do this, I am unable to relax and go to sleep.
I am not a healthcare professional and would urge you to talk with your doctor if you are still having trouble sleeping. My mother suffers from sleep apnea and was prescribed a CPAP machine, which helps her sleep more soundly. There are more and more places that offer sleep studies to review what happens during your sleep. I hope some of these tips help you and please share any you have as well!
