We are all looking for ways to be a better parent. Generally, this involves thinking about how we treat our children and what we can do for them. However, one of the most important aspects of being a great parent is how you treat yourself. By ensuring you are healthy and happy, you can be there for your children and set a great example.

An essential part of being healthy and happy is getting enough sleep. The science isn’t controversial or in doubt. More and better sleep provides you with the tools you need to be the patient, creative, loving parent you aspire to be. Sleep deficiency can be a recipe for displaying “momster” tendencies.   

The Importance of Sleep

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, sleep is vital to good health and well-being.  Your mood during your waking hours depends, in part, on your sleep time.  Good sleep helps your brain prepare for the next day, forming new pathways that allow you to recall important information and learn new things.  Sleep also affects your ability to make decisions, your creativity, and your ability to pay attention.  

When you don’t get enough sleep, you become “sleep deficient.”  The NHLBI reports that sleep deficient people have trouble making decisions, difficulty problem solving, controlling emotions and behavior, and coping with changing circumstances.  NHLBI also reports that sleep deficiency is linked to depression, risk-taking behavior, and suicide.  

Tips for Getting a Good Night’s Sleep

This can be difficult to do – in particular during the early months of parenting – but it’s vital to establish a bedtime routine. This will lead to better and longer sleep for both you and your kids. If your children are in bed at the same time every night and sleeping through, then you are much more likely to do so too.

You should also try and head to bed soon after your children. It can be tempting to use that time to enjoy yourself, but ultimately, you’ll get much more out of sleeping. And when the weekend rolls around, you’ll have more energy to actually get that babysitter and go on that date.

Furthermore, it’s important to practice all of the evening routines that you probably enforce on your children. This includes no sugary or caffeinated drinks, and no TV or screens. Instead, pick up a book and have a cup of herbal tea to help you wind down.

If you are still finding it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep, you can try different relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing.

However, some people’s sleep suffers due to being unable to breathe through their nose. If this is the case, it’s difficult to do much about it, as simple lifestyle changes won’t make any difference.

Luckily, there are some options. Rhinoplasty can improve your breathing and result in better sleep patterns – it’s not all about looks! But understandably, people want to know what a nose job might look like before undergoing the procedure. Some surgeons offer state of the art computer imaging so clients can see the results before undergoing surgery.  

So, before you start thinking about what you can do for your children, realize that one of the most important things you can do for them is to look after yourself. It’s easy to brush off sleep deprivation as a minor issue, but science shows that the negative effects on your mind and body are real, and not to be taken lightly.