Did you know that May is Better Sleep Month? It’s a month for raising awareness about the benefits of better sleep and how poor sleep can disrupt our lives. When the Better Sleep Council reached out to collaborate with me on this sponsored post to help them raise awareness, it got me thinking about why adults have so much trouble getting good sleep when we spend so much time and effort to make sure our kids do. I started looking into the reasons why this happens, and what we can do differently to make sure adults can get all the same benefits of a good night’s sleep by sleeping like a kid. Today I’m sharing some of these tips.
Why is a good night’s sleep so important?
Getting good sleep is for more than just your beauty routine, my friends, as the Better Sleep Council has taught me. The Better Sleep Council is devoted to educating the public about the critical relationship between sleep, good health, and quality of life, as well as the value of a good sleeping environment. The Better Sleep Council website and blog are a source for all things sleep, including research and tips for a good night’s sleep. They even have recipes that will help you sleep better, yoga flows specifically geared for good sleep, and more. You’ll want to bookmark this website for sure!
It seems so easy for kids. Once my boys are down for the night, they are down HARD until it’s time for them to go after their day the next morning. All Sawyer needs is his trusted routine and to be surrounded by all his tiger cuddle buddies (our family refers to stuffed animals as “cuddle buddies,” and since Sawyer is currently obsessed with tigers, he needs all his tiger buddies with him at night).
I asked S why he thinks kids sleep better than adults, and he responded that it’s “because the adults take their kids and make their kids sleep by tucking them in, singing songs, and give them their cuddle buddies. The parents don’t have anybody to tuck them in, and the parents don’t have any cuddle buddies.” As cute as this answer is, he has a point. We’ve been taught the importance of our kids having a bedtime routine, and why they need to get their full amount of sleep, so why don’t we follow the same rules?
Here’s why routines work for kids, and tips adults can use to get a better night’s sleep if they “Sleep Like a Kid.”
Tip for better sleep: No screen-time in bed.
Turn off the electronics (TV and phones). The light alone keep you awake, but if they’re on, they’ll continue to stimulate your brain and prevent you from sleeping soundly. Not to mention that since many of us use our phones for work, bringing the phone to bed also brings the stress and worry of work to bed with you.
Tip for better sleep: Have a bedtime and bedtime routine.
We are so adamant about our kids’ bedtime, yet we never think of the importance of scheduling our own sleep. Designating a bedtime will assure you get your body’s necessary 8 hours. Then adding in other calming routines leading up to that, just like you do with your kids, will help you get to sleep even easier. Not just for littles- a warm bath or shower before bedtime, time with a book, or soothing music could be just the things adults needs too.
Tip for better sleep: Create a comfort zone.
Don’t underestimate the significance of a comfortable sleep environment that includes temperature-appropriate sleepwear, the ideal mattress for your body comfort, and the right amount of darkness. These are all things I’ve made sure are in the nursery and big boy rooms since my little ones were first born, and they worked for a reason. Why not bring the same principles to my own sleeping environment?
Tip for better sleep: Don’t skip the exercise!
When my boys have super active days with lots of outside play or sports games and practices, they sleep even harder. And it’s not rocket science as to why – exercise prepares your body for sleep and improves blood flow. It’s important to note that you should exercise at least two hours before sleep so your body has a chance to rest afterward. If you find that you have trouble resting, there are certain yoga and meditation exercises that are specifically helpful for sleep.
There are so many more great tips for getting better sleep, plus eye-opening facts on what’s preventing us from getting better sleep, on the Better Sleep Council website. Check it out!
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Better Sleep Council.
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