sleep

Getting ‘You’ to Sleep Through

sleep

Photo by Rhema Kallianpur on Unsplash

I’m not the greatest sleeper, I never have been really and in the words of my mother my, “energy has always been boundless”. My kids seemed to have taken after me (which is good and bad).

All ‘gifted’ with the wildest of imaginations, I remember suffering from nightmares as a child and being super-sensitive when it came to night time!

I also distinctly remember as a child not wanting to sleep as I didn’t want to miss out on anything!

That love and zest for life is great but you know, sleep is needed and neccessary and although I sleep OK, I’m still a light sleeper and wake easily most night-(not helped by kids who wake and make me on constant alert)!

My husband Peter and I share the nights equally but I suffer the most when it comes to sleep deprivation that’s for sure! My eldest, 4 generally sleep OK but the toddler goes through tough stages of teething, illness and general waking up through the night which can be hard on all of us!

Recently I’ve made some small changes though to help me to sleep through (great for when Peter is on night duty or my parents have the kids) and they really do work!

Running

I run in the morning most days to wake me up, however tired I am and this seems to help me sleep better by night.

I have a treadmill in the garage so often wake before the kids and get my jog on for 20-25 minutes. I always feel great after and miss it when I don’t do it!

Yoga

I try and get a yoga session in a few mornings a week too and the kids enjoy joining me. I find if I do some wind down yoga positions before bed too, I feel ready for slumber. Too much yoga though at night and I’m wide awake before bed!

Food

Balanced meals through the day are crucial and definitely at dinner time! I try and eat a low carb but balanced meal before bed (Mum was over the other day and rustled up this Greek chicken tavva above-recipe coming soon on the blog)… A bit of porridge for dessert with chopped apple and banana also helps me to relax too. A nutritionist once told me oats are like natural valium.

A cup of camomile tea or hot milk too can help chill you out! Whatever you do, stay away from caffeine near bedtime!

Switching Off

I am trying (not always easy) to switch all technology including the TV off at least 1 1/2 hours before bedtime. The light in your phone stimulates your brain so it’s important to have a digital detox in time for bedtime!

Bath Time:

Like your kids’ routine, I like a hot bath when they’re asleep. I was recently sent Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress Mind Bath and Shower Gel for review and didn’t really believe the claims it would help me relax and get to sleep but let me tell you, it really works.

It smells divine- frankincense, petitgrain, wild camomile and rosemary which helps organise your thoughts and calms the mind. A few drops in the bath and I’m blissed out!

Rescue Remedy

Another miracle herbal mixture I can’t live without-I often place a few drops on my tongue pre-bedtime to help relax and quieten my mind.

I also keep a small window slightly open as if your room is too hot or cold, it doesn’t make for a restful sleep. Your body cools down as you sleep so mimicking that helps you to drop off.

So what helps you sleep through, let me know in the comments!

Updated Post.

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