Get Your Sleep Even With a New Baby!

By Donna Stark

We know the body needs adequate sleep to function well and stay as healthy as possible, but we don't always put it at the top of our priority list, do we? It's usually the first thing to be sacrificed when a new TV show starts, a project is due, or a test needs to be studied for. And although a late night here or there isn't going to cause too much disruption in our lives, chronic sleep deprivation can cause all kinds of disruption ... just ask any parent to a newborn.

Getting the Rest You Need With a Baby in the House

If you are a parent of a new baby in the house you may be wondering what can be done to get the rest you need while taking care of a newborn that needs all of your attention. Well, you can try to get your baby to sleep more! Here are some tips that might help you out.

• Turn off electronic screens - If your newborn is sharing a room with you, you may want to make sure all electronic screens are turned off, even if you are listening to them through earphones. The smallest amount of blue light emitted could be disrupting your baby's sleep.
• Invest in blackout curtains - Blackout curtains can be a lifesaver for the sleep-deprived child and parent. Use them every time you put your child down. It may help your baby take longer naps which could be a great time for you to catch up on some rest too!
• Establish a routine - Yes, even babies need bedtime routines. They actually thrive on them, so come up with one that has shown some promise and stick with it!
• Keep the room cool - It's tempting to turn the heat up so your infant can stay all warm and cozy but that may be causing more problems in the long run. The temperature in your baby's room should be kept around 68 degrees for a perfect slumber.
• Create noise - Some babies, and adults, do really well with white noise machines so consider buying one for your home. Even if your home is relatively quiet, a white noise machine can drown out the sounds from the neighborhood.
• Nap more - This may seem counterintuitive, but having your child nap more may help them sleep better at night. Why? Because an overtired baby will struggle to fall asleep more than a well-rested one. On top of that, if your baby is napping more, you will be able to catch a few extra winks.

Capturing Those Dreams

Getting your baby to sleep so you can get yours may seem overwhelming at first, but it's not impossible. So, try to push through with the suggestions above and remember, this is a temporary moment in life!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Newtown Square, Pa.