I’ve struggled with getting a good night’s sleep from the time I was a young teenager. When I became a single mother the problem only intensified. As a single parent it felt as if the weight of the world was on my shoulders. I had so much to worry about and was finding myself up at all hours of the night unable to get the sleep that I needed. I had tried all kinds of sleep aids, but to no avail. As the problem continued I found myself more exhausted than ever. I was unable to do the things that I needed to do to take care of me and my son because I simply didn’t have the energy. While I still struggle with sleeping there are a few tricks I’ve learned that have made the task somewhat easier.
First, make a schedule and stick to it. As a single parent there is so much to do each and every day. There is no possible way to get it all done. However, staying up late to try and catch up on things may actually put you further behind than when you started. Losing sleep will make you feel sluggish the next day, causing everything to take even longer. Instead, get to bed at a reasonable time and wake up a few minutes early to get last minute things done. It will make a difference.
Second, bedtime routines aren’t just for the kids! These routines help tell your body that it is time to wind down and get some rest. This could include taking a warm shower, reading a book, or listening to some quiet music before bed. Avoid stimulating activities. Turn off the television and the computer. These things stimulate your brain and will actually keep you awake longer. Save those last minute emails until the morning, your brain will thank you later.
Last, but not least, don’t forget to relax. Staying up and worrying about all of the different things going on in your life right now doesn’t change anything. They will all still be there in the morning whether you stay up all night stressing about them or not. Find a way to keep your mind on other things until the morning. Write them down in a special notebook and set them aside until you have time to deal with them.
Don’t underestimate the importance of getting a good night’s sleep. For a single mother, it can make all the difference in the world. The better you take care of yourself, the better you will be able to take care of your children.