We all know that the recommended amount of sleep is eight hours a night or more; however, this is often an unrealistic goal for many parents. Being a parent comes with a lot of responsibility and it seems that there is never enough time in the day to get done what we need to. No matter what profession you work in or how many children you have, all parents feel the need for more sleep. Caring for your children, taking care of the home, working, and meeting all of your other deadlines is difficult enough. When you do not get adequate sleep, these tasks are nearly impossible.
Ways To Improve Your Sleep
#1) Sleep Position
How you sleep is related to how comfortable you are, but there are some sleep positions that are better than others. There is research connected to a best sleeping position. The best way to sleep at night, for the majority of the population, is on your side. Sleeping on your side has been shown to reduce heartburn, improve your brain health, increase blood flow, and reduce constipation. While sleeping on your side has tremendous benefits it can cause shoulder pain. If you are already at risk for shoulder pain, you may need to consider sleeping in a different position. If you cannot sleep on your side, you should try sleeping on your back. Although this position can make snoring worse, it is good for your shoulders and your spine.
#2) Benefits Of A Good Night’s Sleep
There are endless benefits to a good night’s sleep which researchers say should be at least eight hours. Recent studies have shown that a good night’s sleep can increase concentration and productivity. If you are a parent, you know these things are crucial if you want to stay on top of the activities of your children and make sure they are getting all the love and attention they need and deserve. A good night’s sleep also improves memory, athletic performance, and keeps your immune system working optimally. If you do not get a good night’s sleep, you put yourself at risk for weight gain, a decrease in metabolic function, and depression. While there are many things that we all need to get done each and every day, getting a good night’s sleep is just as important as everything else on our to-do list.
#3) New Mattress
Many of us do not purchase a new mattress for years and sleeping on an old and sagging mattress can be detrimental to our sleep. If your mattress does not provide you with enough support while you sleep, you are often left tossing and turning throughout the night. This reduces the amount of restful sleep you get. If you find yourself feeling drowsy in the morning or waking up often throughout the night, you may need to consider purchasing a new mattress.
#4) Limit Exposure To Phones Before Bed
Many of us use our phones or laptops each night before bed to help us unwind or to help us wrap up our busy day. While the majority of Americans often use their phones and laptops before bed, this is not recommended because it can keep you awake longer and prevent you from getting a full night’s sleep. Before you pick up your phone, think about the consequences that it can cause to your sleep. Try laying in bed and falling asleep naturally.
#5) Bed Is For Sleeping
Your bed should only be used for sleeping if you want to ensure that you get a good night’s sleep each night and can fall asleep quickly. There is nothing worse than going to bed and laying there for hours trying to fall asleep. While this is a difficult thing for us to overcome, it does happen to a large number of people. If you limit the time you spend on your bed and use your bed only for sleeping, you can significantly reduce the amount of time that it takes you to fall asleep. For example, if you like to read before bed, you should do this on the couch or in a chair. When you put down the book, move to your bed. This can help you fall asleep much faster each night and help you stay asleep.