As new parents, we know that uninterrupted sleep is a luxury. That’s why we stick to nighttime habits and a bedtime routine, so everyone sleeps better and feels good in the morning.
Healthy sleep restores and reenergizes you. If you want to be feel good and be more productive, you need to get a good night’s rest. It’s crucial to our overall well-being, and I pretty much can’t function if I don’t get enough zzz’s.
This World Sleep Day, we wanted to highlight some of the changes we’ve made in our nighttime habits to help us fall asleep faster (because when you have a baby, you know that every second of sleep counts.)
Ready to stop tossing and turning? Keep reading!
Get Moving.
Working out is great for your body and mind. But sometimes, busy schedules can keep us from getting to the gym.
Our son’s bedtime routine starts with an evening walk. We usually take a stroll on the bike path or swing around the block if we’re running short on time. Sometimes we put him in his carrier, but most of the time, he enjoys sitting in his pram and observing nature.
Plus, it also keeps us moving on the days we can’t squeeze a workout in.
Optimize Your Space.
If you’re tired of staring at the ceiling every night because you can’t fall asleep, it may be time for a bedroom upgrade. When it comes to your mattress… is it comfy? Breathable? Firm enough? Are your sheets soft and cozy?
If you’re not getting enough rest, you may want to upgrade to a new mattress. We recently got a new mattress and pillows from Emma Original Mattress. The mattress is breathable, non-toxic, and has an eco-friendly foam layer that regulates body heat + adapts to any body shape to align your spine.
Most importantly, it’s COMFORTABLE and firm, which my partner and I love.
Wondering if the Emma mattress is hot to sleep on?
This mattress has an eco-friendly foam layer that wicks moisture away so you can stay cool all night (especially during the warmer months in Queensland.)
Ready to upgrade? Emma Original Mattress has given our readers a 5% discount code. If you’re not convinced after 100 nights, you can send it back for free. Use this link + discount code: ALEXC.
Find the right pillow.
The last time we bought pillows, I wasn’t picky. I picked the first one that felt good and had the word hypoallergenic on the packaging. I didn’t think twice about the support. Big Mistake! I was tossing and turning for weeks and waking up throughout the night.
The Emma Pillow is COMFY! It’s a hit in our household because it’s customizable. It has three layers for maximum comfort, but you may find you only need one or two. I tucked the extra layer into another pillow that I use while breastfeeding for extra support while sitting up. It also has a hypoallergenic cover which is a big plus if you have allergies.
Whether you’re a side sleeper, back sleeper, or stomach sleeper, you can adjust it to suit your needs.
Create Nighttime Habits.
We started a nighttime routine for our little one when he was only a few weeks old. We try to do the same thing every night (at the same time), so he knows it’s time to rest. He gets a bath every other night; we put him in his sleep sack, listen to lullabies, and read books before his nighttime feed.
This schedule works for us because it also gives us time to unwind after he falls asleep. Also, since he’s still dream-feeding (waking up to eat in the middle of the night), it’s so crucial for me to get rest as soon as my head hits the pillow.
Get ready for the day ahead.
If you’ve got a long to-do list, take a peek at it before you go to bed, so you know what needs to get done in the morning. This will save you time so you can start crossing off the must-do’s first thing in the AM. We use a family calendar so everyone knows if there’s a doctor’s appointment, birthday party, or special occasion we need to get to.
Pause, Reflect + Reset.
Roll out your yoga mat and relax your mind and body. A good stretch will make you feel good and help release any stress from the day.
Whether you watch TV, read a book, meditate, or enjoy a cup of tea – pause, reflect and enjoy your YOU time. A warm shower always helps me decompress before bed.
Need a reset? Check out these self-care ideas to help you recharge.
Conclusion
Want to feel your best self and be more productive? Listen to your body and give yourself time to rest. Eliminate distractions, create nighttime habits and a routine that works for you and make your bedroom as comfy as possible, so you can get the best sleep possible.
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These are great tips, I’m on the hunt for a new pillow, and the Emma one sounds great as an option! I’m popping in from the bloggers camp group:)