So much running around for my kids’ sports can really wear me out. Between their school and sports, I am run ragged! You’d think with all that busyness I’d fall asleep easily, and stay that way all through the night, much like my kids do. They are able to rest their weary heads on a pillow and be in cloud 9 in seconds.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of the Better Sleep Council.
Me, on the other hand? It can take hours for me to wind down and be able to get to any type of restful sleep.
This was fine and dandy in my younger years, but as life marches on, I realize I can’t get by without enough sleep. My sweet spot is 7 hours–I feel like I can tackle anything the day has for me, if I’ve gotten a full night’s sleep. Unfortunately, those nights are few and far between. Although I aim to go to bed at a decent hour, it’s oftentimes well past midnight when I am finally able to get to bed. Falling asleep is a whole other issue altogether. Making sure I get the amount of rest I need requires taking initiative.
Did you know that May is Better Sleep Month? The sleep industry celebrates this month-long holiday to raise awareness about the benefits of better sleep and how poor sleep can disrupt our lives.
In my quest to sleep like my kids do, I have done lots of research. There are several ways to make sure to get enough Zzz’s to get you through life and all its madness. As I suspected, it’s a matter of making a plan and sticking to it. The following tips can help you get a good night’s sleep, and maybe even start sleeping like a kid again!
Watch Your Caffeine
With so much going on in the typical sports parent’s life, caffeine can be a necessity. I get that. I am guilty of having an extra cup of coffee (or a caffeinated soda) in the middle of the day just to get that extra “push” I need to get through my day without collapsing. The problem is consuming caffeine too late in the day can backfire. You’ll get the energy needed to keep going, but the effects can last up to 6 hours. This means that that 5 o’clock iced coffee can keep you going until 11 p.m., or later. Do the math, and consume caffeine as early in the day as possible.
Stay Consistent
Establishing a regular bedtime and wake up time can be crucial for getting enough rest. Our circadian rhythms are aligned with sunset and sunrise. When we alter that cadence, we mess with the levels of Melatonin our bodies produce, which leads to poor sleep.
Create a Relaxing Environment
I am one of those people that cannot stand clutter anywhere in my home. It stresses me out and affects my mood! This can especially ring true in my bedroom. If my bed is topped with laundry or books or there is a pile of this or that anywhere in the space, I will not be able to relax until it is cleaned up. A restful environment can also be created by soft sounds (i.e. a sound machine), or appropriate lighting. Even a soft scent such as soothing lavender, can create a calming atmosphere, encouraging deep, restful sleep.
Take a Relaxing Bath Before Bed
With or without bubbles, a warm bath can work wonders! For me, it’s my “quiet time”. This is when I go over the proverbial ‘to-do’ lists floating around my head. It’s also when I am able to process the events of the day. Good or bad, they always come up during bath time. In my opinion, all of the things that would normally keep us awake at night can be dealt with in the bath. Consider the day, embrace the emotions that are triggered, and then let them go. As the water goes down the drain, so should all the tension causing issues. For better rest, go to bed with a clear mind!
When it comes to getting a great night’s sleep, kids are known for having an easier time than adults. They’re also known to have a unique perspective on the world. There could be something to thinking like a kid! They don’t have the worries most of us do (cause you know, their uniforms are magically washed and snacks are miraculously packed for them, etc.). Kids focus on having fun and how they can get more of it! Could it be that living like a kid is the key to a better night’s sleep? It might!
Do you have any better sleep tips? I’d love to hear them in the comments.
Get more info from the Better Sleep Council, a hub for all things sleep, including mattress education, sleep tips, research and more!
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of the Better Sleep Council.
Barbara is the mom behind the blog. She began writing in 2012 as the creator of Hello Life, a craft & lifestyle blog. As life evolved, and her kids became more involved in sports, she aimed to create a site that would resonate with moms like her, and in 2017 Modern Sports Mom was born. Like many of today’s mamas, she loves being creative, cooking, and fashion, and when there are a few minutes to spare, a good book. A baseball and football mom, she is fueled by her strong faith, dedication to her family, and coffee. Lots and lots of coffee! Barbara lives in California with her husband, kids, dog, and cat.