Family sleep routine tips for you and yours
Practicing a good sleep routine is everything when you are not getting enough sleep...
Finding a sleep routine for the kids can be challenging when you have kids that fall into different age groups.
But that can be said for the whole family. As much as you might not want to admit it, committing to a healthy sleeping pattern as an adult is just as challenging.
We get it, you can only do what you need to do when the kids are asleep... and what angels they look like when they are asleep.
It stands to reason though that if you are not sleeping well, having them sleep well is still not going to get you in a better state of mind.
Maybe partially. Nevertheless, we have some handy tips that could help when trying to establish a sleep routine. Use it for the kids or yourself, either way, these tips will help you identify how to start a routine.
- Consistency
Being consistent in anything you do in life is important but when it comes to sleep, it is of the highest priority. Establishing and practicing the same bedtime each night helps train your body and mind to prepare for rest.
- Find your rhythm
Find something that everyone enjoys, whether that's a bedtime story or a pre-bedtime dance, and do it every night. Kids work well with repetition. Finding your rhythm and applying it to your bedtime routine is important.
READ MORE: VIDEO: New bizarre sleep hack divides the internet
- Screen break
Having time away from any of your smart devices or the television is important if you are going to adopt a sleep routine. Most importantly, this helps bring calm to the mind, getting your mind and body ready for rest and downtime.
"The blue light emitted by electronic devices disrupts the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep." (MSN)
- Move your body
This sounds unnatural to do before bed but it is quite calming in preparation for sleep. A mom has shared that practicing physical sensory activities before bed can get your kid to bed and encourage a healthy night's rest.
Watch her five sensory activities that prepare her toddler for sleep. Who knows, it might help the other kids too...
Video courtesy of TikTok.
@courtneyenglish.ot It can be difficult to calm you child’s body before bed! Try these during your next bed time routine! #momsoftiktok #toddlermom #preschoolmom #sensoryprocessing #bedtimeroutine #bedtimeactivites #pediatricot #pediatricoccupationaltherapy #occupationaltherapy ♬ original sound - Courtney | Pediatric OT
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