Jude AgbayaniMotherhood has overtaken our lives and even our sleep. Our sleeping patterns changed as soon as our kids were born. And we have developed bad sleeping habits. Whether you are caring for a newborn or raising teenagers, here are seven healthy sleeping habits for moms that we can start doing now.
Habit #1 Turn off electronic devices
If we are going to be honest, our phones are the last thing we put down at night. Did you know that the light emitted by our phones, tablets, and even television has a way of tricking our brains that it is still daytime?
The light disrupts our circadian rhythm (sleep and wake cycle) and affects our sleeping time. Instead of preparing our bodies to sleep, the light wakes us up. So the late-night TV watching should stop for me too. Oh, how happy my husband would be 🙂
Habit #2 Put off extra caffeine until tomorrow
Are you a mom who cannot start the day without her coffee in the morning? High five to you! If you take your coffee black (like me), avoid taking another cup late in the afternoon or the evening. This is one sleeping habit of moms that has to change.
I remember having dinner with some friends, and as a nightcap, I ordered a cuppa joe. My eyes were as wide as the forest owl. So that is a no-no, Moms. I have the same experience with tea too. I love tea, especially mint flavored tea. Taking it also later in the day hinders me from sleeping well.
Habit #3 No binge-eating before bedtime
There is an old saying which says, ‘Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper’. As the day
According to nutritionists, we should take our last meal 3 hours before going to bed. So late night watching with chips or that slice of chocolate cake is a deadly combination. Aside from gaining weight, it affects sleep quality. It may either cause sleep disruption or take longer to fall asleep.
Habit #4 Do not skip exercises
Aside from keeping our bodies healthy, regular exercise helps promote better sleep. Studies reveal that our body temperature increases when we exercise. This spike lowers and helps improve the quality of sleep.
However, exercising at night might have an opposite effect on the body. The hormones (adrenaline) produced by the body during exercise may cause the brain to be more alert than somber. But it will depend on you and how your body responds to this stimulus.
Exercise may include walking, jogging, dancing, swimming, or whatever sport you prefer. You don’t have to go out and buy gym clothes or enroll in a class. Exercise videos on YouTube have helped me a lot.
Habit #5 Create a regular sleep/wake time
When we set regular wake-up and sleep time, our bodies adjust to that schedule. Our bodies tell us when to hit the sack and when to get up. This has become our circadian rhythm. If we become used to sleeping at 9 PM, we will feel sleepy around that time. Creating a sleep/wake routine allows us to enjoy quality sleep at night.
Habit #6 Keep a bedtime routine
If we keep in step with our morning routine, we should also start a bedtime routine. We have to prepare our brains and bodies to relax and sleep. Take warm showers, read a book, listen to relaxing music, or diffuse essential oils in your room to keep you calm. Avoid activities that stimulate more brain activity.
Habit #7 Pray
It is best to start and end the day with a prayer. Being contemplative on the day (hopefully) calms the soul. Be grateful even for the challenges you faced that day. You will have tomorrow to start anew and experience God all over again.
So getting quality sleep is beneficial to moms. Adults need at least 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep a day. Less than that may pose harmful effects on the body. If you are still having difficulty sleeping, consult your doctor. It is wise to seek professional help.
I am guilty of not following these healthy sleeping habits. It is only now I understood what’s causing my sleepless nights and poor quality of sleep. So we can do this, Moms. We can start living healthier lives, moms.
