A recent Hybrid Mom poll shows that “women prefer a few extra zzz’s over sex.” Parenting comes with a lack of sleep – starts with the pregnancy, continues with the around-the-clock feedings, into teething, nightmares, late night parties – there’s little relief in this department! Hybrid Mom shared some “sleep secrets for mothers” – I’ll list some excerpts here:
1. Lower your expectations
2. Have younger children sleep in their own beds
3. Early bedtimes are best – they suggest 7:30 for toddlers & preschoolers, 8:30 for preteens; and 9 for teens. (Editor’s note – easier said than done, but I also recommend STARTING bedtime early – the earlier you start, the earlier you’ll pass the finish line…).
4. Establish a bedtime routine. (Editor’s Note: Very MomTini friendly – routines and structure are great tools!).
And, if you’re truly suffering from insomnia, Hybrid Mom shared some “natural solutions for curing insomnia” including tips for a bedroom make-over to increase your likelihood of getting a good night’s rest.
What sleep tips do you have to share?
I remember being so tired with each of my babies I fell down the stairs with them (can you believe it happened more than once??). Getting enough sleep is absolutely essential for parenting, decisionmaking, playing with fire (cooking), and sanity. I was very moved by one mom’s story about how lack of sleep affected her health and started a discussion about it here: http://upside-down-patty.blogspot.com/2011/01/when-child-does-not-sleep-please-help.html#comments
Tips include trading off babysitting with friends to nap, having one spouse get up early to relieve the one on night duty, and being extra careful when you know you’re sleep deprived in driving, dispensing medication, and promising kids more than you can deliver in your weakened state!
GREAT ideas — thanks so much for sharing! It is scary how much responsibility we have, and that we’re expected to do it with or without sleep — I remember holding the stair railing after my husband fell once walking with the baby – luckily, everyone was fine, but it is scary! Thanks for sharing your additional ideas! Keep ’em coming!