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Ways To Improve Sleep

samwilson's picture

by Sam Wilson

Mum of two gorgeous boys and the owner of samwilsonfitness, a company dedicated to female health and wellbeing.

If you are fairly newly post natal (or maybe not so newly post natal), it can be really difficult to get enough sleep in to help you on your road to post natal happiness!  I remember watching box sets through the night with my first son because I thought I had to be up and alert and ready to feed.  This didn't work at all.  With my second, I didn't get out of bed!  Try some of these tips to help improve your sleep:

Turn off all electronic devices two hours before going to bed (or at least one!)

The light that is given off (blue light) stops melatonin secretion and therefore stops you sleeping (and your baby)

If you are awake feeding, try not to switch the tv on or look at your phone.  I know it can be boring at times, just sitting and waiting for your baby to finish feeding but keeping the light low can help you to stay sleepy and make it easier to get back to sleep.  

Keep water close by so you don't have to get up each time to get another glass/bottle

If you must have a snack during the night, make it a high protein and low sugar one.  For example an apple with nut butter or natural yoghurt and seeds/nuts

Making sure you have everything you need around you can really help you get settled again quickly

Keeping the room as dark as possible can help your baby get back to sleep more quickly too

Keep your caffeine levels low during the day if you can to improve your sleep

You will find your recovery levels much better and you will feel so much better when you get that quality sleep.  I know with new babies this is sometimes impossible so don't set unachievable goals but do try as much as possible to help improve your sleep.

Good luck!