Cant Sleep? Make Changes And Feel Good
"I cant sleep! I'm so tired!" Having children changes your life drastically, and sleep deprivation is a big problem for parents of young children. On this site we want to help your toddler AND you get a good night's sleep. And let's not forget, you may not just have one toddler, you may several children, a baby, older siblings or other major commitments effecting your sleep. For you to get a good night's sleep your toddler needs to sleep well. But once that happens, and in the process of dealing with your toddler sleep issues, you need to get enough sleep too and beat the effects of lack of sleep. On these pages we are focusing on YOU, not your children. You need sleep to function well, to deal with your children's general energy levels. You need to have balance in your rest, work and play - you need space to have fun with your partner and also have time on your own. If you frequently say, "I cant sleep! I'm so tired!" and are frustrated by ongoing sleep deprivation then be movtivated to change your sleeping habits and deal with your toddler's sleep issues. Read about the effects of lack of sleep here. When you are tired or stressed solutions do not come easily so here are a few simple sleeping tips to help you: 1) Take it in turns to sleep through
To do this you will need to make a few simple decisions such as where to sleep and you will need to trust your partner that he can deal with your toddler during the night! Perhaps you will need to make up a spare bed downstairs so that you can be sure that you won't get disturbed. You may also need ear plugs for sleeping and eye masks - you want to get a good night's sleep so make the most of it. 2) Stop saying "I cant sleep!"
You are telling yourself that you cant sleep. You need to train yourself to say "I can sleep and I will help myself sleep". Try saying this and notice the changes in your body. You will feel the tension seep away. When you are ready for sleep and are lying down, focus on each part of your body separately. Focus on relaxing and letting go of your tensions. Change your Cant Sleep belief into a Can Sleep belief. You need to change the negative energy of your frustration in not being able to sleep into energy into helping yourself go to sleep. It may sound too simple to be true but it really does work! 3) Your sleep environment
Ensure that your bedroom (or wherever you are sleeping) is dark. Use black out curtains or use an eye mask. Have a comfortable bed and mattress (they do wear out!) and make sure you are warm but your room is cool. 4) Natural sleep remedies
We've reviewed the most popular products here. 5) Enjoy some sleeping music
Before you sleep listen to some relaxing sleep music. We've put together some suggestions to help your mind relax and your body unwind. And Tips to Look After Yourself
1) Healthy eating and exercise
Eat healthily and exercise for at least 20 minutes, 3 times a week. Exercise not only keeps your body in shape, it also reduces stress and improves sleep. You need to finish eating at least three hours before you go to bed so that your body can digest the food easily (the digestive process works better when we are standing or sitting rather than lying down). Do not drink caffeine after 2pm and avoid or lower your consumption of alcohol. Although alcohol may initially make you sleepy it will dehydrate your body - you'll then wake up feeling thirsty and needing to go to the bathroom. You cant well sleep if your body needs to wake up. 2) Do you need a babysitter?
Yes, you can have fun too! It's not all about work or looking after others. You need to have some me time, some couple time and some general good times with adults and no children around! Having fun is refreshing and will re-energise you to help you deal with your toddler's sleep issues. We've got the information here to help you find a good babysitter so go for it: 3) Ask or pay for help
Ask friends and relatives for help before you get too run down. Most will only be too glad to help. Let them take out the children for a few hours and you sit down and have a rest. Put on some relaxing music and let yourself relax and let your eyes close... If the housework is just too much, hire a cleaner. If it's too expensive on a regular basis hire have a cleaner as a one-off. If cleanliness helps you relax then you'll feel much better in a clean house - and you haven't had to do it yourself. It'll help you to take control. 4) Talk to others
Don't suffer in silence. Talk to others, your friends, your family or if you feel too uncomfortable, a confidential helpline and your medical professional. Sleep deprivation can contribute to feels of being unable to cope and that can lead to depression. It's a nasty cycle, so seek help as soon as you can. If you are saying you cant sleep and are so tired all the time, other parents will be too. 5) Remember the You in You
Take time out to just do the things that YOU like doing. Book a beauty appointment, get a hair appointment, wear what you like rather than simply what is practical. Go out with your friends and/or partner and enjoy yourself. It will feel good and re-energize you to sort things out. Remember to play yourself! We love the fantastic Life Is Good T Shirts as they spread optimism and positivity. And most importantly, Take Action!
Do not sit and do nothing. If you are saying, "I'm so tired, I cant sleep!" take action to make positive changes in your sleep and your life will improve. Take charge of your toddler's sleep issues and your sleep will improve. Tiredness can be overwhelming and toddlers too can be overwhelming. You want them to be happy but you need to make sure that you are looking after yourself enough too! If you cant sleep then taking action to help yourself IS taking action to help your child. A happy, more energetic you will help you be available for your toddler and be watchful of his needs.
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