5 ways to improve sleep

Being a mum to young children can be without doubt tiring. In addition to the adoring unconditional love that we feel for our offspring, there can often be times when tiredness is overwhelming and we feel like we can’t see the wood for the trees. There’s not only the 24-hour care that we must give them but the extra responsibilities that we have; working, paying the bills, getting the household chores done, spending time with our partner and somehow making time for ourselves too are all important.

Sleep is one of the most important things in life because if we don’t get enough sleep, then we can find it difficult to function properly. Tiredness and exhaustion can affect everything – our parenting, our working life, our relationships and our home environment. So, what can we do to improve our sleep and how can we make sure that we consistently get good quality sleep so that we can function to our utmost potential every day

1.Time to Relax

Making sure that we have time to relax for at least a few hours before we go to bed is so important. If our brain is active and stimulated, then we find it difficult to switch off. Treat yourself to a bath with aromatherapy oils, make a warm non-caffeinated drink or buy a salt lamp for your bedroom that gives off a calming glow and is believed to aid sleep. Making sure that those last few hours before bed are relaxing, will certainly change the quality of your sleep.

2. Time for Yourself

Find ways to get a bit of time to yourself and stimulate your brain! Tiredness and exhaustion from being a busy mum is more due to physical exercise from your children keeping you on your toes. Find at least a few minutes a day to read a book, do some on-line research, start a home study course or play some games. It’s better to choose games that can be played in short sessions, such as mobile casino games like blackjack, poker and roulette as each round takes but a few minutes so you can play as little or as long as you can afford to. Casino website mFortune offers £5 new player bonus and a referral program, so you can try their services for less – or free. This approach will both stimulate your brain and give you some time out from mundane tasks.

“Yoga” (CC BY 2.0) by FootMassagez

3. Switch Off!

Do you ever feel a need to completely switch off and forget the pressures in life? Worrying is one of the main reasons for sleep disorders such as insomnia. If you find it difficult to fall asleep in the first place, then there are ways that help you to relax and find some peace of mind. Taking up yoga, pilates or meditation are excellent ways of calming the mind and escaping your worries – and they’re good for your body too. You could either go to a local class (which would also give you time for yourself!) or you could do it at home.

4. Stop Worrying & Get Organised

Lack of sleep often happens because we are worrying about things – whether it’s an upcoming decision, paying the bills, a worry about one of our children, a work or family issue. However, lying awake at night will not solve anything and being able to get good quality sleep will help you to cope. Try to get organised – make lists, get the house feeling ship-shaped, keep a diary or calendar, allocate chores to other people and get some control back in your life. Remembering that you’ve got a plan in place while you’re trying to fall asleep will assure you that you’ve got everything under control, and allow you to relax more easily.

“Smell the Lavender” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Vincent_AF

5. Let Nature Help 

There are many natural products that help you get a restful sleep, so if you’re really struggling to sleep at night perhaps you should consider trying some. Lavender essential oil is excellent to promote quality sleep with just a drop of the oil on the side of your pillow. Flower essences are also proven to be a success for releasing anxieties and benefiting sleep. There are also natural herbal remedies to ensure a good night’s sleep that do not leave you feeling drowsy during the day.

A restful, undisturbed night’s sleep helps our bodies to rest and regain the strength and energy that we need for the following day. Following these simple steps will make for a happier you, because if you feel rested then you can cope with most of the pressures of everyday life.