Tips to help Nocturnal Mums to better sleep

When you become a parent, it suddenly becomes hard to remember what a good night’s sleep, a full eight hours, actually felt like. Feeding throughout the night, night’s full of tears, of teething, of croup, all these things mean that real sleep can feel like a thing of the past. And this doesn’t really change as they begin to get a little older and pass the baby/toddler stage. Joe is now 10, visits the toilet at least twice each night, sometimes has night terrors or and can still sleep walk. I find that with the exception of an odd, much needed lie-in, I never get more than 5 hours sleep per night. Despite all this, some nights I still find it hard to get to sleep. So how can you avoid being a nocturnal mommy and ensure you get the most from the sleep you get?

Here are a few tips…

1. Make that bedroom an oasis of calm – no television, no mobile phones, definitely no social media – you really do not need to be checking Facebook and Twitter before you go to sleep. It’s a bedroom, not another extension of your office – remember that. You can assemble the best sleep aids including things like an eye mask or a natural supplement, that may also help you to naturally relax.

2. Comfortable pillows are a must for me. Not too many to give me a neck ache when I wake up, but soft and fluffy enough to lull me to sleep.

3. A good mattress for both you and baby. Naturalmat, sum this up perfectly here “Every moment spent in bed is precious and a good mattress can make all the difference to having a good nights sleep.”  If you are looking for a new mattress then you should consider a Sealy mattress. MyNextMattress are the UK’s largest stockist of mattresses online and offer mattress trials, so don’t miss out!

A good duvet of the correct tog is also important, you need to choose one that suits the season, too thick and you will be uncomfortable and too hot to sleep, too thin and you will just feel cold all night. Try to choose an anti-allergy duvet which protect your bedding against dust mites and bacteria.

4. Try to unwind before bed. Have a bath with Lavender bath oils, drink a glass of warm milk, turn off that social media and maybe unwind with a chapter from a soothing, romantic book. Whatever it is that relaxes you – do it. You can find some beautiful lavender gift sets which combine essential oils, bath oils and eye masks which can all help you to relax at bedtime.

5. Don’t go to bed hungry. If you tummy is rumbling, you won’t get to sleep, it’s as simple as that. Have a light snack, something like toast, let it settle, and then go to bed. Avoid cheese through – it’s supposed to give you nightmares (although I’m guessing that’s an old wives tale…)

If all else fails, get up, watch a bit of TV, relax and then try again. There is no point in lying there listening to the other half snoring his way across the night, you will just become more frustrated and more tired.

What are your tips for a good nights sleep? What do you do if you are awake when you should be asleep?

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