Insomnia is no joke, especially if you are mom with a ton of things of your to-do list. It’s common for moms to battle insomnia after being woken up by their new baby or 5-year-old who needs mom to check under the bed for monsters. With so many responsibilities, it can be difficult to lie down and turn your brain off for sleep.
The Stir sat down with the medical director of the Pennsylvania Hospital Sleep Disorders Center and author of 365 Ways to Get a Good Night’s Sleep, Dr. Ronald Kotler, and here’s what he recommends for moms who are struggling to sleep:
1. Speak to your licensed physician: It may be your baby that is keeping you from sleeping through the night. A doctor can give you great advice to develop your baby’s sleep habits to be more in line with both of your needs.
2. Make your bedroom encourages sleep: You should feel relaxed and inspired to sleep when you enter your bedroom at night. Keep it cool, dark, add in a fan for white noise, and invest in a comfortable mattress.
3. Be aware of your mood: Insomnia is often a symptom of mental illnesses or a disorder, including depression and anxiety. Become familiar with other signs of mental illness and seek help if you suspect you aren’t yourself.
4. Learn about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): See a CBT specialist, which could be social worker or psychiatrist. This pain-free solution to insomnia has been proven to have long-term results as it helps you change your approach to life’s stressors and helps you develop better sleep habits.
5. Pillow talk can be soothing: If you have a partner to lean on, share your insomnia woes with them. Sharing kind words, positive events from the day or relaxing fantasies may ease your mind enough that you fall right to sleep.
Kotler also notes that plenty of women become light sleepers after having children to stay alert to their needs, thanks to evolution. Always being alert to be there for your children is wonderful, but try to make some time for sleep to increase your energy, productivity, memory and stay healthy, it will help you in the long run!
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