Sleepless nights and groggy mornings. ? The dangers of sleep deprivation are no joke and we all know what it feels like to not sleep our best.
A new bundle of joy comes with a few adjustments to your normal sleep schedule. From changing diapers to warming bottles, new parents are used to having their hands full. If you can't sleep, here are a few sleep hacks for new parents to sneak in a few Z's at home.
1. Eat, Drink, And Get Sleepy
The window between evening and bedtime is prime for snack attacks. Seeking out the right foods (and avoiding the wrong ones) can be a good way to keep sleep woes at bay. For sleep, snack on foods high in melatonin, such as cherries, almonds, raspberries and walnuts. In the evening, keep sleep disrupters such as foods high in sugar and caffeine to a minimum. As much as it sucks, Mattress Firm recommends skipping that post-dinner cup of joe. ?
2. Track your Bedtime
You know you're missing out on sleep, but do you know how much? It can be helpful to start tracking your sleep. Keep an eye on how many hours of sleep you're snagging (or lacking!) Having a good understanding of how much sleep your missing out on will help give you an accurate look at your sleep schedule and help you see where you can fill in any gaps.
3. Stick to a Schedule
The first few weeks of parenthood can be tough. But as with any life change, structure can be key to success. It can be helpful to many new parents to establish a routine and plan out each part of the day. There are plenty of books and routines for first-time parents, so Mattress Firm recommends checking ratings and reviews to find the schedule that works for you. Make a plan for your mornings and evenings and try to be consistent (The best you can, at least. We understand life gets in the way! ? )
4. Lighten your Load
A good way to free up time to rest? Get by with a little help from your friends (and family!) There's no harm in asking for assistance, especially when you're a new parent. Let your loved ones lend a hand and get smaller tasks like household chores off your plate.
5. Rest to Impress
Parenthood is a new and exciting adventure and we're rooting for you. The first part of any great adventure is a good night's sleep. At Mattress Firm, we're here to help you invest in your rest and make getting shut eye a little easier. Whether it's a memory foam or an adjustable base, you deserve the perfect mattress at the perfect price.
Happy parenting! ?