I was thinking about how much I really needed a nap when I ran across an article in USA Today where researchers are cautioning us that once we lose too much sleep day after day, our ability to catch up on our sleep may also be lost.
As busy parents most of us don’t get 8 hours of sleep. How can we with so much on our plate? There’s always something that has to be done around the house. We’re either finishing up one day or preparing for the next day. Not to mention some parents stay up late so that they can have time alone or spend time with their partner once the kids are fast asleep.
I never imagined that being a parent would be so exhausting but sometimes I wake up looking forward to bedtime. I’m already looking forward to the weekend. In fact, I’ve fastwarded to Christmas break.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that most adults get 7-8 hours of sleep nightly. There will be times when we will get less but we should not make it a habit. They recommend these tips for getting your snooze on:
(1) As much as you might like gabbing on the phone with your friends or surfing the Internet, don’t make a habit of staying up too late doing so. I’ve all but given up having an adult conversation while Tyler is conscious so talking after his bedtime is one of the ways I kept in touch with the adults in my life. Moderation is the key though. I don’t have to talk into the wee hours of the morning.
(2) No TV or computer in the bedroom! That’s a tough one, especially the TV. I like to relax and watch a little TV before I retire. I suppose if you’re not as comfy on the sofa in the living room as you would be in your own bed you’d get your fanny up and go to sleep.
(3) Keep a regular bedtime. Your kids have one, you should too.
(4) Finally, avoid stimulants like caffeine at night and avoid exercising a few hours before your scheduled bedtime.
See also:
Do You Suffer From One-More-itis?
No End Yet to Sleep Deprivation