Here’s a question worth answering: What’s one change that can help you feel like a better parent starting tomorrow? You don’t need to change your diet. You don’t need to start going to the gym. Get more sleep.
Photo by Kampus Production
Parents everywhere are exhausted. Most know they should be sleeping more. But few have any idea just how badly poor sleep is impacting them and their families.
Until now.
Things are about to get real…
What you’re about to learn:
- The hidden toll of sleep deprivation on parents
- So how bad is sleep deprivation, REALLY?
- Why mattress quality is integral to getting a good night’s rest
- Do you really need a NEW mattress?
- What are the best bed mattresses for improved sleep?
- Tips for tired parents who need sleep
- Why sleep is crucial for parents
The hidden toll of sleep deprivation on parents
Did you know that 72% of parents report suffering from sleep deprivation at least 3 nights per week?
Yep, you read that correctly. Over two-thirds of parents aren’t getting enough sleep.
And new moms are hit the hardest…
According to The Sleep Foundation, moms lose nearly an hour of sleep each night, while new dads only lose a little over 10 minutes. On average…
But new parents aren’t the only ones who struggle to catch Zzz’s.
Single parents are also more likely to experience sleep deprivation, with 43% of single parents sleeping less than 7 hours per night. Overall…
But how does this affect you?
Here’s what most people think…
If you don’t get enough sleep, you feel tired.
Well, yeah. That’s not the entire story.
Lack of sleep makes it difficult for your body to control your emotions properly. It can make everyday tasks more difficult. And it can rob you of precious moments with your children.
So how bad is sleep deprivation, REALLY?
Here’s a glimpse into a few of the sleep deprivations that parents face:
- Increased stress
- Feeling overloaded
- Guilt about their parenting abilities
Parents aren’t lazy or neglectful when they feel this way. Their bodies are simply begging for more rest!
Why mattress quality is integral to getting a good night’s rest
Have you ever stopped to think about what you sleep on?
It’s not just a fluffy blanket you pull up to your chin each night. Your mattress has a huge impact on the quality of your sleep.
Did you know that 93% of Americans believe their mattress has a great impact on their sleep each night?
That’s right, 9 out of 10 people know there’s a connection between their mattress and sleep quality. And they’d be correct!
A worn-out or uncomfortable mattress can cause you to hurt yourself. But did you know it can also cause you to wake up throughout the night?
Time to fix that problem.
Do you really need a NEW mattress?
Here’s what most people think.
“Bedroom mattresses are expensive.”
And that’s right. They can be.
But they don’t have to be. That’s why it’s worth checking out thebedsupermarket.co.uk.
They’ll have you covered with some of the best prices around for bedroom furniture.
What are the best bed mattresses for improved sleep?
So, what type of mattress is best for sleep?
Medium-firm mattresses!
Studies show that a medium-firm mattress can help with:
- Sleep Quality
- Alignment of your spine
- Reduction of pain you may feel
- Help you fall asleep faster
If you’re a parent who suffers from back pain (whether from carrying your child around or sitting at a desk all day) then you NEED a medium-firm mattress.
What makes up a good sleep environment?
Your bedroom environment plays a huge role in how well you sleep.
However, there’s one thing that needs to be prioritized above all.
Your mattress.
If your mattress is old and not supporting you, then nothing you do in your bedroom will help you.
- Keep your room cool. The body prefers to sleep in temperatures that are cooler.
- Eliminate as much light as possible. Little LED lights from watches and phones can disrupt your cycle.
- Use white noise. A fan or white noise machine can help drown out other noises that may occur throughout the night.
- Don’t neglect your pillows and sheets. While your mattress is important, so are your pillows and sheets.
How to find affordable bed mattresses
Believe it or not, you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for a new mattress.
When looking for your new mattress, look for ones that have:
- Medium-Firm support
- Pressure relief
- Motion isolation
- Long-lasting durability
Many retailers are starting to offer mattress trials and warranties. That way, you can test the mattress out in the comfort of your own home.
Tips for tired parents who need sleep
You can buy the best mattress in the world. But if you don’t practice good “sleep hygiene”, then you’ll still find yourself struggling to get a good night’s rest.
Go to bed at the same time every night. The body loves consistency. When you start going to bed at the same time every night, your body will start to adapt to this new routine.
Stop looking at screens right before bed. LED screens from phones and tablets suppress a hormone called melatonin. Try reading a book or listening to some music instead.
Take turns getting up with your partner. If you have a significant other, take turns getting up with your child. You don’t want both of you waking up completely exhausted each day.
Nap if you need to. Short 20-minute naps are great when you’re tired. Long naps can actually hurt your ability to sleep at night.
Stop punishing yourself after the kids go to bed. Many parents sacrifice sleep by using their “me time” after the kids go to bed. This is called revenge bedtime procrastination. It may feel good in the moment, but you’ll pay for it tomorrow.
Why sleep is crucial for parents
When you don’t get enough sleep, you’re more likely to…
- Lose your temper
- Make rash decisions
- Have a slow reaction time
Everything you do as a parent could be compromised when you don’t get enough shut-eye.
Are you ready to make a change?
Improving your sleep doesn’t happen overnight. (No pun intended)
Look around your bedroom. Is your mattress old and not providing you with comfort? What about your pillows and sheets?
Small changes can make a big impact.
Conclusion
Parents need sleep.
Sleep isn’t just important for your health. It also allows you to be there 100% for your kids.
If you’re going to start making changes. Start today.
Sleep tips for parents
There’s never a good time to improve your sleep.
But there’s always a better time.
Consider what you can do starting today to get your sleep on track.
Your kids won’t stop growing. So don’t let your sleep habits stop you from keeping up with them.