Genius Tips for Sleep Deprived Moms to Get More Sleep

I can relate to sleep deprived moms because I am one.

Any mom with little kids knows that really good sleep is hard to come by.

But, that doesn’t mean that we don’t need sleep. We DO in fact NEED sleep!

The big question is how to get that much needed sleep in between waking babies, sleepwalking, endless requests for more water or hugs, and bad dreams.

Getting more sleep can seem hopeless and impossible. Especially if you are the mom of a baby, toddler, or both.

I always tell myself that by the time our kids are 11 years old we will finally be able to get some sleep. Of course when they are in their teens there will be more reasons to have sleepless nights.

Are all new parents sleep deprived?

Most if not all new parents can expect to experience some sleep deprivation.

According to the journal SLEEP one of the costs parents must pay when they have children is a significant loss of sleep until their child is 6 years old.

How many hours of sleep do new moms get?

According to a research done by Owlet Baby Care, the majority of new parents only get 1-3 hours of uninterrupted sleep.

I’m in the thick of this right now with my toddler. These are definitely the days you feel like a zombie. With 3 hours of sleep per night it all makes sense.

What are the effects of lack of sleep?

Not sleeping can have tremendous effects on your body. I’m sure if you are already losing sleep you are feeling some of these symptoms as reported by Healthline.

Mood Swings – Including irritability, increased anxiety, and depression.
Weaker Immunity
Weight Gain
Heightened risk for diabetes, high blood pressure
More Accident Prone

How can moms get more sleep?

There are several ways you can get more sleep as a mom with the resources you have available even if you have a baby or toddler.

Have children tested for sleep disorders that might be preventing them from getting a full nights rest.

A study from the Journal of Family Psychology showed that children with sleep disturbances effect the quality of sleep their parents get. As their sleep improves your sleep will improve.
Sleep when your baby or child sleeps.
Know the signs of baby and toddler sleep regression and know how to ease them through it.
Take advantage of help from family and friends. Let them watch your baby or children so you can take a nap if you need it.
Get treated for insomnia or sleep disorders you are experiencing.
Play quiet music, white noise, read a book, use lavender oil, and/or drink chamomile tea before bedtime to fall asleep faster and get a deeper sleep.
Get a sleeping mask to block out light during daytime naps.
Use these baby sleep tips, like playing white noise to block out noise and help them sleep longer.
Hire someone to help with chores and other tasks, so you have more time for naps/sleep.
Get yourself and kids/baby into a routine that you follow each day. Plan a time for sleep and naps.
Know that this is only a temporary situation. As your child grows your quality of sleep will increase.