How did you sleep this month?

May is Better Sleep Month

If you know me, you know that Sleep and I are not the best of friends.  I mean, one, I'm a mom.  Moms aren't allowed to sleep.  Throw in sleep reversal due to my liver disease and it seems like sleep has completely turned its back on me.

But in the spirit of better sleep month and because honestly, I have been so tired lately, I decided to try and get right with my sleep.  My goals for the month were pretty easy.

• Get more sleep
• Go to bed earlier
• Get my steps in
• No late night snacks
• No napping

I think I did well considering the month we have had.  Except for the early bedtime.  I pretty much failed that. But the rest of it, I did good.  At the beginning of the month, my sleep average was 4 hours.  This last week was an average of 6.5 hours.  Every hour counts.  So what did I do?  I had to figure out what was keeping me awake at night and from there it was just baby steps.  And my friends over at CASPER helped me out with these awesome pledge cards.

If you are laying in bed reading this, go to bed.  Or leave a comment and let me know I'm not alone.  This is my biggest problem when it comes to going to bed.  I told myself to stay off social media once I laid down. That helped a lot.  Read a book they said.  My books are all on my phone.  Fail!  Baby steps right?  So I told myself that I would put the phone down the first time I dropped it on my face. Am I the only one who does that.  I suppose I could just pay my library fees and get some real books again.  You know, the less painful option.  

Anxiety is such a mood killer.  Once I am actually laying there, tucked in and comfortable, the stress and worries start. Some days I lay there for hours and half the time end up frustrated to the point of tears.  I have tried almost everything.  One thing that usually works for me, but is not recommended, is exercise. I have to completely wear myself out.  I haven't tried any apps, because I know I will get sidetracked and end up on Instagram instead.

This one right here is key.  And is what helps me most.  Even if I don't do it at the same time everyday, having a routine is an important part of sleep in this house.  The boys have had the same routine, I don't know why I wouldn't think it would work for me.  The hard part for me is stopping everything else and getting on with my bedtime routine.  There are always counters to be wiped down or dishes to wash.  That last minute load of laundry you forgot about doing. I'm still working on this one.  But when I take my night meds, I also take a melatonin and tell myself to get ready for bed.  Let the dogs out one last time. Check on the boys one last time. Make a cup of tea and read on the couch for a bit. Shower. Then when the yawning starts, go to bed.

God am I glad that David is back on days.  When he would work nights, I would get up and serve him dinner. Don't judge me.  I love doing it for him.  Anyways, I would sit at the table with him and catch up with him.  And occasionally steal a bite or two. Then Id lay down and feel so uncomfortable. This is also the biggest bedtime problem for the boys.  As soon as I say its time for bed, they are hungry again.  My solution?  Bananas.  If you are not hungry enough for a banana, then you are not hungry at all.  Go to bed! Works every time.  Sometimes they have the banana, other times they know that I have called them on their procrastination and just go to bed. 

Why Bananas?

• Magnesium helps fight insomnia, relax muscles, and keep cramps away.
• The potassium helps regulate your blood pressure & balance hormones.
• Tryptophan will help raise serotonin and melatonin levels to encourage sleep.
• Vitamin.  Enough said.
• Its the perfect serving size.

Do you struggle with sleep?  When was the last time you went to get and woke up feeling rested and refreshed?  Here are a few more pledge cards to help you out.

Thanks to Casper for the great cards and sleep inspiration.  Need more help?  Let Casper help you! Their mattress is so perfect, they only make one!  Their sheets are strong and breathable.  And their pillows will support you in all sleeping positions.  The best part is, the 100 night trial.  If after 100 days you are not satisfied with your purchase, return it.  The pillows and sheets will get returned to them but a mattress with be picked up and donate to a local charity.  How cool is that.