3 Ways to Get More Sleep When You Have Kids
By Genevieve Cunningham
Kids. We love them. But let's be honest for just a second: Kids are a ton of work. They need plenty of attention, even more money, and though we love them to pieces, they can actually take a negative toll on our health. And one of the ways they do this is by hindering sleep. But of course, if you have kids you know that sleep is more important than ever before. So what are we to do? If you have kids in your house and are lacking in sleep, take a look at these tips for catching a bit more shut-eye for better health and a happier life.
Schedules are Necessary
You don’t like to hear it and you can’t always make it happen, but schedules can make a big impact when it comes to kids and sleeping. Does this mean you have to be super strict? No. Does it mean you can never go out during naptime or stay up a little later than normal? No. But having a bedtime and waking up at a normal time can do wonders for everyone. And scheduling naps for roughly the same time every day can help your kids get into a rhythm. The better schedule that everyone keeps, the easier it is to catch a little sleep.
Take Naps When You Can
You’ve heard to sleep when the baby sleeps, but are you doing it? Seriously, let the laundry go. Clean the kitchen in the morning. Get takeout. It doesn’t all have to be done today. And if there’s a chance you can take a nap instead of scrub the floor, choose the nap! While you won’t be able to get away with this forever, it will definitely help when you have really little ones at home, and since sleep can really get scarce, it may save your health and sanity in the long run.
Do What Works
Everyone has an opinion about how to get kids to sleep. Besides healthy recommendations, throw the rest of the advice out the window. Your mom wants you to do it one way, and your friend swears something else works. Ignore it all. Get to know your kids, and do what works for your family. Does it work to rock them to sleep? Do it. Does it work to put them in a quiet, dark room? Do that. The bottom line is that, as long as it’s safe, you need to do what works for you. This is sometimes the only way to get any sleep, and the only way to keep your family happy and healthy.
Kids are tough. They’re demanding and all consuming and sometimes frustrating. But they’re also a ton of fun and full of love and laughter. In order to keep your sanity and enjoy your children, you have to get enough sleep! Use these tips to get more shut-eye, and everyone in your family will be better off as a result.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Glen Allen, Va.
