If you’re a mom, you probably haven’t slept well since… let’s just say the days of flip phones and dial-up internet. Between kids crawling into your bed at 2 a.m., your brain reminding you of tomorrow’s to do list, and the dog barking at invisible intruders, quality sleep feels like a myth. 

But here’s the thing: moms need rest just as much as anyone else. And no, I don’t mean a 20 minute nap in the school pick-up line. I mean real, drool on your pillow, REM-cycle kind of sleep. Here are 3 tips to getting a better night of sleep. 

1. Set the Stage (a.k.a. Trick yourself into snoozing)

If your bedroom looks like a Toys“R”Us exploded, it’s not exactly relaxing. Create a sleep friendly environment:

• Keep it cool, dark, and blissfully kid-free.
• Invest in the Luna Weighted Blanket, which feels like a giant hug and convinces your nervous system to chill out.
• Drown out the mysterious neighborhood noises with a White Noise Machine—because nothing ruins REM like your neighbor revving his truck at midnight.

2. Embrace the Mom Bedtime Routine

Kids get bedtime routines (bath, story, lights out). Guess what? Moms need one too. And no, scrolling TikTok in bed until your thumb cramps doesn’t count.

Try this instead:

• Read a chapter of a book (bonus points if it has zero cartoon characters).
• Do a few gentle stretches or deep breathing.
• Pull out your journal. Writing down your thoughts before bed can clear your mind for a good night’s rest.

3. Bring in the Reinforcements

Sometimes your brain refuses to clock out. That’s when natural sleep aids can save the night:

• Take a magnesium complex. Magnesium helps you sleep by relaxing muscles, calming the nervous system, and regulating neurotransmitters that promote restful sleep.
• Or pamper yourself with thisworks deep sleep night oil, a 100% natural body oil blend that basically whispers “shhh” to your restless brain.
• Ditch the wine and have a cup of chamomile. Chamomile promotes relaxation and improves sleep quality without the disruptive effects of alcohol.

4. Pro-Level Mom Sleep Tips

• Kick the phone out of bed. Instagram can wait until morning.
• Hide the snacks. Midnight pantry raids do not improve sleep quality.
• Enforce the “no kids in my bed” rule (or at least build a fort of pillows between you and the tiny karate kicker).
• And for the love of all that is holy: new sheets. Nothing feels more luxurious than fresh bedding when you’re bone tired.

Look, mom life is exhausting, no surprise there. But you don’t have to accept permanent zombie status.  Set yourself up for a successful night of sleep, you will thank yourself later. 

The post Prioritizing Sleep: How Moms Can Improve Their Rest and Recharge appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.