Dear Tired Mama,
I hope this letter finds you amidst a moment of peace and calm—though I know how rare those moments can be. The demands of caring for our exceptional children can leave us feeling like there are never enough hours in the day. Yet, in the midst of the chaos, I want to remind you of the importance of something we often overlook—the power of good sleep.
I understand that there are seasons on this journey where sleep is very fleeting and almost impossible. If you are in that season, I feel for you. I really do. I remember those days well. But if you’re not in the “impossible sleep” phase, maybe there are some things that could improve the quality of the sleep you are getting. This list isn’t exhaustive, nor will every tip work for every person, but perhaps one option seems even slightly possible to implement. Try it out for a couple of weeks and see how it goes. Move on to something else if you don’t see a positive change.
Tips for Better Zzzz’s
1. Establish a Sleep Sanctuary:
Create a space where you can truly relax. Choose calming colors and clear the clutter so that you can welcome peaceful rest without being reminded of unfinished tasks.
2. Embrace Unconventional Schedules:
Yes, our lives are far from ordinary, so why should our sleep schedules be any different? If a standard sleep routine doesn’t fit, embrace flexibility. Find windows of time for sleep and rest, and cherish them without judgment or guilt. Believe me, I could do an entire blog post on our unconventional sleep routine😊
3. Supportive Pillows and soft bedding:
Considering how much time we spend in our beds (at least, we hope), invest in supportive pillows that cradle your body with comfort and soft sheets and pillowcases. A little TLC can go a long way.
4. Set Boundaries for Technology:
The blue light from screens can often disrupt our precious sleep. Set boundaries for technology, dimming the screens and disconnecting from the digital world at least an hour before bedtime.
5. Do a Brain Dump:
If you find yourself having difficulty falling asleep because you’re thinking about tomorrow’s to-do list or next month’s IEP meeting, do a “brain dump” before bed. Write down all the things that are swirling around in your head. This practice will help get the clutter out of your head and allow your mind to rest.
So, I know it may not always seem easy, but there are some small steps you can take towards better sleep hygiene. As you lay your head down tonight, let the weight of the day fall away. Embrace the stillness, for it is in these quiet moments that we find the strength to face tomorrow. Sleep may not always come in abundance, but let the slivers of rest restore your mind and body.
Sweet dreams.