The positive power of sleep

Sleep. I can’t remember what effect that word had on me before I became a parent, but since giving birth to my first child eight years ago, the mere mention of the word sleep feels like a sigh of relief or a long, cool drink on a hot day. I have to confess, I’ve had a very easy run in the sleep deprivation department. All my brood were, and continue to be, wonderful sleepers but regardless of how well your child sleeps, the level of energy required to keep up with a house full of kids leaves the best of us longing for a few extra minutes (or hours) of shut-eye. My heart goes out to the parents who, try what they may, share their home with troubled sleepers, because there is nothing more taxing than functioning on little (or at times no) sleep.

It’s quality, not just quantity

On average adults (between the age of 25-64) need somewhere between seven to nine hours sleep a night. Unfortunately for parents, a study done at the University of Tel Aviv found that being woken up from a deep sleep and getting a broken night’s rest has the same effect as getting only four hours sleep. On the other hand a good night’s sleep has many benefits, including improved memory, happier outlook, control over weight gain, better health and immune system, and an increased ability to make decisions.

The power of a great night’s sleep doesn’t just apply to mom and dad. A good night’s rest can work wonders on a child as well, especially considering that there are few things as difficult as an overtired child. Just as adults become grumpy and unreasonable when they’re in need of a nap, children are no different, but sadly have less of a filter on their outbursts and lack the maturity to control their frustration.

Easier said than done

As with many things in the life of a parent, a good night’s sleep won’t necessarily just happen, it takes a little intentionality and planning. Here are a few things you can try to aid your quest for a bit more sleep.

  • Make sleep a priority. Yes, there is cleaning to do! Yes, there is laundry to fold! Yes, there are hundreds of TV shows to watch that don’t revolve around a purple dinosaur or talking animals! Yes, it’s amazing to kick back and spend quality time with your spouse while your children are in bed! All these things are true, but when you’re running on empty and desperately need to catch up on your sleep, all of these distractions should take a backseat to your need to rest. All the chores, television programmes and opportunities to chat will still be there in the morning.
  • Get into a routine. Just as children tend to sleep better if they have a consistent bedtime routine, adopt a routine that works for you to ease you into a more relaxed, sleep prepared state. Try to avoid going straight from work mode to sleep mode. Get comfortable, maybe take a bath, read a little or do something else that relaxes you.
  • Sleep when you can. Most mothers-to-be and mommies of newborns are told to sleep when your baby sleeps, but when your child no longer naps during the day (or you have more than one munchkin running about) it’s difficult to catch up on missed sleep when they require your full attention. It may be that your spouse is around during the weekend and you’re able to take a nap while they look after the children, or if a friend or family member offers to babysit, there’s nothing wrong with using the time to rest instead of going out or running errands.

Sleep is a natural activity, something that everyone needs and everyone (to varying degrees) does every night, but it still requires everyone, but particularly parents, to make it a priority.