This is a partnered post with Vicks. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Unlike my husband who seems perfectly fine functioning on minimal sleep; I need hours and hours of uninterrupted sleep to be on my A-game. Like most moms, I’m the backbone of the family and keep things moving in an orderly fashion. If I don’t get the sleep my body needs, it’s likely that the family won’t get me at my best.
I’m not one for resolutions simply because I never seem to follow through but this is the time of year when many people are making those resolutions. My family actually started a new journey in September of last year for a healthier us and I’m happy to report we’re still going strong. We’re eating better, we joined a gym, we’re sticking to bedtimes, etc. We have all seen a change in our appearance, attitude and overall health.
I won’t lie and say everything is all butterflies and rainbows and that we wake up in the morning all smiley and chipper and that we go to sleep at night with dreams of white, fluffy clouds and talking sheep. Since becoming a parent, sleep has never really come easy for me. It’s a battle to turn off my mind and allow my thoughts to subside so that I can drift off to sleep at night. Some nights are easier than others. And then there are some nights that I need just a little help to sleep better.
How to Sleep Better
Limit caffeine: This one was absolutely the hardest one for me to kick. I love, love, love Diet Coke and giving up my favorite drink was one of the hardest things for me to do. But I noticed that it was easier for me to feel tired at night when my body wasn’t hyped up on caffeine. Drinks like tea and coffee should also be kept to a minimum to ensure that you can easily drift off to sleep.
Exercise: Since we’ve joined the gym and have been working with a trainer, I’ve noticed that it’s been easier for me to feel tired at night. We go to the gym 3-4 times each week and spend an hour each time doing pure torture to our bodies. So that may be exaggerating a little, but it’s pretty brutal. I find that my body responds so much better to sleep when I exercise on a routine basis.
Watch your diet: Some foods are harder to digest than others. If you notice a certain food doesn’t agree with you, try to eliminate it from your diet. For me, I try to keep my sugar intake as minimal as possible. I only eat fruit during the morning and early afternoon and only drink water to ensure that I’m not filling my body with sugar that does nothing for my body.
Get help: I’m not above asking for help. Especially when it comes to how to sleep better at night. If it’s approaching my bedtime and I’m not feeling tired or if my mind is whirling with thoughts, I use my lavender oil along with Vicks ZzzQuil. What I love about these is that they are both non-habit forming and I only have to use them when I need them.
When I’m finding it hard to quiet my thoughts long enough to fall asleep at night, I can count on ZzzQuil to help me get the sleep I need to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to start the day. For me, sleep is essential. I can’t afford not to sleep better at night!
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How do you sleep better at night?
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
I would be in much better shape if my husband didn’t snore 😉 ZzzQuil definitely helps me. A lot.
Lisa Joy Thompson says
My husband and I are on a journey very similar to yours! We joined a gym in the fall and have been consistently working out and making better food choices! For us, working out has done wonders for our sleep! I’m also a big lavender oil and peace and calming fan for helping me fall asleep. I’ll have to check out ZzzQuil!
Michelle F says
Those are some great ideas. Sleeping more is something i want to do this year and so far haven’t been good at it. I am going to try the Nyquil.
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
Oh you totally should. It works like a charm 🙂
Pam says
I don’t always get the best night’s sleep. I could definitely follow these tips though.
Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama says
I’m a natural sleeper. In fact, I joke with my husband that I could compete in the sleep olympics. If it weren’t for my 6 month old NOT sleeping through the night, I’d be a sleeping beauty!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
Sleep is a difficult thing to come by sometimes. I’ve found that working out will put me right to sleep when I hit the sack.
Katie says
I try to limit my screen time right before bed or else I will have too many things spinning in my mind! I have used Zzquil before and it has definitely helped.
Amy @ Marvelous Mommy says
I totally need my sleep too! I read somewhere that women just generally needed more sleep than men. I usually don’t have a problem getting to sleep, it’s getting up where I struggle.
Liz Mays says
These are great ideas. Now is a good time to reset the sleep schedule too. I want to get off to a good start!
Chrystal | Nevermore Lane says
My mother has been signing praises for this new ZzzzQuil. I haven’t tried it myself yet. Meltonin and essential oils generally are my go-go. I am glad there are simple products out there for people like my mom who has to be mindful of OTC medicines which she takes.
Michele says
There are times when sleep eludes me. The next day is pretty hard to get through—–and I am generally cranky as well!! I find that id I read a bit or get back on the computer my eyes start to get really tired so that sometimes works. I have never tried a sleep aide. ZzzzQuil, since it is non habit forming, might be an answer for me as well.
LydiaF says
My husband snores very loudly. I wear earplugs. But now that I’m in menopause a full night’s sleep isn’t guaranteed. If I wake up and can’t go back to sleep, I’ll get up and putz around until I’m tired again. One of the major benefits of being retired is I can nap during the day if I need to.
Patty says
I understand completely. I have serious issues with pain that keep me from sleeping well. I’m glad you’ve found ways to make your rest easier
Leah says
my husband is a snorer. He uses a CPap machine now, so thankfully I don’t listen to snoring anymore. Though, when I did, I used stuff like this all the time.
Theresa says
I love Vick’s ZzzQuil! It really does the trick at helping to fall asleep quickly without the groggy feeling in the morning. Lavender oil is also another amazing tool to help sleep!
jamie says
I definitely limit the caffeine. Though exercising too late in the day makes my RLSact up.
Liz Mays says
I have ZzzQuil in pill form next to my bed. I don’t take it every day, but occasionally it really comes in handy.
Shelley Zurek says
I didn’t know their was a pill form of zzzQuil. This will help when I travel.
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
This post was written for me! I really need to improve my sleep. Your comment about exercise is so true. I’m going back to my club tomorrow. Great tips.
Rosey says
I used to function on minimal sleep. These days I need my whole time. 🙂
Scott says
I’ve noticed that making sure there is no snacking/eating after about 6:30 helps me sleep better. Gotta give you stomach enough time to digest before bed!
Nicole Escat says
I’ve never heard this brand, I would like to try it for myself. This is a great idea.
chasing Joy says
These are good tips. I have not given much thought to what foods impact the quality of my sleep.
Ora Lee Gurr says
We have stopped caffeine intake after 2 pm, with no eating after 5 pm. It is nice to be able to work from home, as dinnertime used to be closer to 7 when I worked an hour away. I’ve heard several good things about Zzzquill. I hope your sleep schedule evens out.
Christie says
Exercising regularly definitely keeps me in the right mindset for sleep. Hoping to catch some more zzz’s in 2016!
Ann Bacciaglia says
ZzzQuil is a great way to fall asleep when you are having troubles sleeping. I try to do some deep breathing when i lay down to calm my brain.
Kiwi says
I will not lie sometimes I am a super insomiac…night owl at heart. I dont like it because I would love to be more of a morning person but I know it starts by going to bed early!
Rosey says
Ah that nice little mask looks soft. I like it way better than the traditional silk version. Sleep is harder once you have kids, agreed. 🙂
melisasource says
These are some really great tips and an awesome guideline to go by! I am totally committed to getting better sleep in 2016!!!
Amber C. says
Those are some really great tips! I don’t sleep I have a newborn LOL
Eliza Ferree says
In California I would always be in bed by 8 or 9 at the latest. Once I moved to Indiana things changed. I don’t know if it is the climate or my sleeping partner and kids. My husband has the house up way too hot for me and he snores so loudly. If I wake I normally get stuck because I can’t sleep beside him and hear it. I may have to try the lavender on an eye mask.