Moms from all over the world often have schedules filled to the brim with activities and responsibilities. Whether cooking, cleaning, catering to the demanding needs of your baby, or trying to get some work done in between, every minute counts on a Mom’s timetable for the day. Even when your baby or toddler finally takes a nap, there’s chores and other work to be done. Every day feels like a marathon chasing after your children’s and other people’s needs. It’s no wonder why moms are called superheroes!
In that regard, moms often put themselves last when it comes to their own needs, and that includes not getting enough rest to really prepare them for another busy day. However, being sleep deprived will not only affect your mood, but it can also be detrimental to your health. It can lower your mental capacity, drain what little energy you have, compromise your immune system, and even increase your chances of sleep-related accidents. While many moms would like to squeeze in enough time to take some well-deserved shuteye, it can often feel impossible with the never-ending list of things to do. There’s always hope, however, and we’re here to help you increase your odds of getting some sweet slumber with these tips.
Tip #1: Get a helping hand
There’s nothing wrong with accepting extended help from concerned relatives or friends, and while you may think you don’t need it or feel too embarrassed to accept it, this is something every new mom needs as it will be better for your health and peace of mind in the long run. Don’t hesitate to delegate chores to visitors who are willing to help or set specific tasks for your husband to keep everyone in the loop on what they can and can’t do. Just having the time to take a nap during the afternoon can make a significant difference as it can boost up your energy and refresh your mental acuity, allowing you to bounce back to work with renewed zeal. Not to mention, this will give your relatives or friends a chance to bond with your new bundle.
Tip #2: Relax and lie down, even if you can’t fall asleep
Unfortunately, it isn’t uncommon for moms to finally have some time to spare, only to stress about the seconds ticking and wonder why they’re still wide awake despite the mental and physical exhaustion. The best way to handle this is to not focus too much on falling asleep fast. If you find yourself tossing and turning, take the time to just relax. You can either listen to soothing music or practice calming meditative exercises, both of which can be just as restorative as it’s important to let your body and mind rest.
Tip #3: Enlist help for nighttime feedings
The best way to get a quality and solid stretch of sleep at night is to have your husband or helper take the responsibility of feeding the baby for you. This can be easier if you’re bottle-feeding, though. If you breastfeed, consider storing milk a few hours before going to bed so that you can have someone simply take it to ease your baby’s midnight hunger. This will provide you enough hours of uninterrupted REM sleep, which is highly essential to getting quality sleep for your health.
