Getting enough sleep is crucial for our overall health and well-being. Sleep helps our bodies repair and rejuvenate, and it plays a key role in maintaining our mental and emotional health. But our sleep can be easily compromised in a world where there is so much to do and not enough hours in the day to do it.
Mums with babies and young children my heart goes out to you! My eldest had attachment issues at bedtime and my youngest was an early riser – at 5am! It felt like I never had much down-time or sleep. My advice now would be to find ways and re-prioritise. Sleep when they sleep – even if it means not getting some others things done. Prioritise your wellbeing so that you can support theirs. I’m not suggesting it’s easy. But I am suggesting it’s worth the small changes. Here are some potential game changers. They may sound so obvious – and be confirming what you already know. You just need to start taking action and that’s the harder part.
1. Acknowledge that YOU are in charge – You can prioritise anything you feel the need to. If your body is asking for more sleep, make the conscious choices around making that happen, without rationale and to-do’s taking priority. More sleep IS possible.
2. Allow yourself naps – Short naps have been proven to hugely impact focus, energy and productivity following a 10-15 minute nap. But giving yourself permission for this, is another matter. Set a timer on your phone and give it a try. See how it feels for you.
3. Get an intentional early night – the earlier the better when you’ve got little ones to potentially wake you through the night. Try to resist scrolling on your phone, or falling asleep in front of the TV. Know that intentionally choosing sleep is the best way of honouring your overall wellbeing.
4. Respond calmly at night – when you are jolted from the depths of your sleep with a cry for you, try to respond calmly and softly. Aim to keep your heartbeat slow and regulated with gentle deep breathing, slow movement and partially closed eyes to signal to them that it’s not a wakeful time. Reassure them with your presence and that it’s ok that they woke up, but make it clear that the intention is to get back to sleep – and set an example for them to do the same.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help – partners, older siblings, grandparents, friends and family can step in to support you, but you need to ask them. Asking for help doesn’t mean you’re not coping. It means you’re recognising your needs and priming yourself to be the best mum you can be. And your loved ones will most likely appreciate the connection time you are offering them.