“I’ll sleep when I’m dead.”
Can we universally agree to stop saying this?
There’s too much information now about how much sleep affects not only your productivity but your mental health as well. It’s time to debunk the myth that less sleep equals more achievement. As mothers, we’ve been taught to wear tiredness as a badge of honor. The size of the bags under your eyes is a direct correlation to how much value you provide to your family. Our conversations with other mothers turn into a competition of who’s the most rundown where there are no winners, only sleep-deprived mamas.
But what if we flipped the script and celebrated restfulness instead? Here are three key reasons we can’t sleep at night:
1. Scarcity Mindset
I used to have a scarcity mindset around productivity, which constantly made me feel behind on my to-do list.
When I finally put the kids to bed and had any time to myself, I would try to cram a whole day’s worth of “self-care” into 3 hours. This approach only made me more tired the next day, perpetuating the cycle of sleeplessness.
It’s as if we’re trying to outrun time itself, but in reality, we’re just running ourselves into the ground.
2. Light Exposure
Research shows that the skin of our eyelids is the thinnest on our body (less than 1mm) and therefore unable to block sufficient light.
When light enters our eyes, melatonin, one of the main hormones that regulates sleep, is suppressed, making it harder to fall and stay asleep. Putting away your phone, turning off the television, or wearing a sleep mask is key to quality rest.
Think of it as creating a cocoon for your sleep – dark, quiet, and undisturbed.
3. Technology Habits
Our devices can be a major sleep disruptor.
The constant notifications and the allure of just one more scroll can keep us awake far longer than we intend. Even when we try to wind down, the blue light from our screens can interfere with our natural sleep rhythms.
It’s like inviting a noisy, bright carnival into your bedroom – not exactly conducive to rest!
But there’s still hope…
40 days ago, I made some major changes in my habits, including unplugging from work/business at 6:00pm and taking myself to bed at 9:30pm on weekdays. These commitments have been a game changer, with getting at least 8 hours of sleep at night setting the foundation for all my other habits. It’s amazing how a simple shift in priorities can create a ripple effect of positive changes.
To improve your own sleep, try these simple steps:
- List three small activities that help you relax in the evening, like listening to an audiobook or sipping herbal tea. Create a mini-ritual that signals to your body it’s time to wind down.
- Minimize light exposure before bed. Start by turning off the lights 15 minutes before you want to drift off to sleep. Gradually increase this time as you get comfortable with the routine.
- Use your phone’s bedtime mode to dim the screen and silence notifications at night. Let technology work for you, not against you.
The benefits of better sleep are profound. I now find myself looking forward to bedtime as early as 8pm. The major surprise? I feel more in control of my emotions throughout the day, regardless of what comes my way. It’s like I’ve unlocked a superpower I never knew I had.
Research backs this up:
Shifting your sleep time earlier by just one hour could boost your mood by 23%. Imagine what a full night’s sleep could do!
As mothers, we often prioritize everything and everyone else.
But it’s time we made a concerted effort to not only get more sleep but to get the highest quality rest possible. Your well-rested, happier self is waiting. Isn’t it time you tucked yourself in?
After all, a rested mom isn’t just good for herself – she’s a gift to her entire family.
