When was the last time you got a full night’s rest? We mean a solid, uninterrupted seven hours of sleep. If the answer was, “Sleep, what’s that?” we hear you. They say mom rest is for the wicked. Now that we’re older and wiser, whoever said that didn’t have a screaming toddler running around and two dogs begging for your attention. Oh, and then there’s the partner who expects dinner to appear at 7 p.m., sharp, miraculously. Factor in a moody teen, and who needs rest when you have chaos?
Have kids, they said. It’ll be fun,’ they said. Now you’re sitting on the sofa with craft glitter in your tattered hair, contemplating your life choices if you could just close your eyes and not worry about a curious bambino eating out of the doggy bowl or the teen going rogue.
Welcome, you’re officially part of the “I Haven’t Slept Since Giving Birth” club. Membership includes dark circles, an unhealthy attachment to caffeine, and the ability to function on pandemonium and baby giggles. And while we joke, lack of sleep is no joke.
There’s hope, and no, it’s not another “go to bed earlier” tip. We’re spitting facts, aka mom-tested ways to sneak in rest without losing your sanity.
Step One: Redefine What ‘Rest’ Means
First off, adjust your expectations. “Rest” doesn’t always mean eight uninterrupted hours of sleep.
Sometimes it’s ten minutes hiding in the bathroom, scrolling memes. Or a hot shower with no interruptions. For new moms, short rest periods can help your body recover and regulate stress hormones.
Translation: micro-naps count, mama. The next time someone tells you to “sleep when the baby sleeps,” smile sweetly and say, “I’ll rest when someone else does the dishes.”
Step Two: Take Notes from Grandma
Turns out, seniors and sleep are like a milk and honey combo. Older adults need less sleep but more quality rest. Sound familiar?
They swear by bedtime routines, calming environments, and cutting screen time before bed. These are all tricks moms can steal.
For seniors, deep sleep is vital, but it doesn’t mean sleep disturbances don’t happen. Restless legs syndrome occurs at night, while some sleep disorders require sleep medicine. All in all, older adults fall asleep earlier, and that’s good sleep hygiene.
Maybe your “grandma bedtime” (8:30 p.m.) isn’t such a bad idea after all. And if a lavender diffuser and a cup of warm milk and honey work for Nana, who’s to say they won’t work for us too?
Step Three: Make Peace With the Chaos
Perfection is not the goal. Peace is. Paediatricians explain that a strong support system can make all the difference. Ask for help. Text that friend. Let your partner take over bedtime duty.
If you’re solo-parenting or your “village” is under construction, create small sleep rituals that fit your reality. A weighted blanket, a soft playlist, or a nightly cup of chamomile tea can cue your body to unwind.
And no shame if your toddler occasionally ends up in your bed. The Globe and Mail says it’s more common than you think. Sometimes, it’s about everyone getting a bit more shut-eye, not about following every parenting “rule.”
Step Four: Ditch the Guilt
Mom guilt. That sneaky monster that shows up when you finally sit down.
If it makes you feel a bit better, rest is for our survival. Today’s Parent emphasises that prioritising rest benefits your whole family. You can’t pour from an empty coffee cup, though many of us have tried.
Try setting “quiet time” for the whole family. Kids play independently while you recharge. Even 15 minutes of downtime can help you feel human again.
Step Five: Find Joy in Little Luxuries
Occasionally, the right “tools” can make rest feel downright luxurious. Everything from cozy pajamas to blackout curtains can help. Treat yourself because you deserve it.
Or, go old-school. An eye mask and a good pillow can make a world of difference. Personally, we swear by the “Mom Nap Starter Pack”: blanket, white noise app, and a “do not disturb unless someone is bleeding” sign.
Step Six: Laugh Through It
Motherhood will always come with exhaustion. Babies wake up, kids have nightmares, and somehow, everyone always needs a snack at midnight.
However, laughter is a powerful antidote. Humor and community help moms cope with sleep deprivation. Find your tribe: the other moms who get it.
So go ahead and slay, queen. Slay! And don’t forget to rest and stay hydrated.
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