Say Goodbye to Counting Sheep

As moms we are constantly on the go.  I don’t know how many times I have said or heard somebody else say, "If only there was more time in the day."  Unfortunately many of us try to make more time by staying up until the wee hours of the night trying to get it all done or just relishing in some quiet.  However, when we do this we are often giving up something very important for our health.  SLEEP!

Sleep is essential to keeping our bodies healthy and well.  While we are asleep our body uses the time to repair itself by producing proteins, growing cells, and repairing the damage of stress.  The amount of sleep that we get also has an effect on our moods.  Medical evidence has proved there are links between inadequate amounts of sleep and the increase of anger, anxiety, stress, and sadness.  Productivity also decreases the less you sleep.  Staying up late to get something accomplished at the cost of a good night’s sleep is actually a losing situation because you may not be getting as much done during the day as you could with a full night’s sleep.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, most adults should get between 7-9 hours a night.  Personally, I am a big believer in sleep.  During the school year I am usually in bed and asleep no later than 10 (okay, so I stay up till 11 on Sundays to watch the boob tube…shhh!) and get up around 5:30.  The next day I usually feel refreshed and ready to go. 

What’s that you say?  You can’t get to sleep?  Counting sheep isn’t working, but rather keeping you awake? Well, have you tried to adjust your body to a sleep routine?  Here are some suggestions of what you can do to help get your body on a sleep schedule.

• Establish a consistent sleep and wake schedule, and try to stick with it even on the weekends.
• Create a relaxing bedtime routine.  We usually do it for our kids, why not take the time to do it for us?  Draw that bubble bath, enjoy a good book, create a playlist on your Ipod with soft music to enjoy, anything to help you relax.
• Say goodnight to your TV, computer ((gasp)), crackberry, twitter, and other electronics BEFORE you get in bed.  Save your bed for sleeping and that all-important adult time with your significant other.
• Create a sleep-conducive environment.  Make sure it is dark, quiet, and comfortable.  Having it somewhat cooler also helps you sleep better.
• Don’t eat anything 2 hours prior to your bedtime. No, not even that bedtime bowl of cereal. 
• Avoid caffeine before bedtime.  Kind of a "duh", but worth mentioning!

There you have it.  Some tips to help you get a good night’s sleep so you will be ready to tackle what life, or your kids, throw at you the next day.  You can find these tips and more at the National Sleep Foundation.

Do you have a good tip to share with others on how you get a good night’s sleep?  Leave a comment and share your tip so we can all sleep soundly tonight. 

When Mel’s not sleeping, you can find her blogging at A Box of Chocolates.