Every busy parent is more than happy to slip into bed after a long day. Unfortunately, if you spend the night tossing and turning, feeling uncomfortable, or are rudely awakened by external noise or sunlight, you might struggle to rest and recover for the next day.

If you are tired of sleepless nights and want to wake up feeling happier and more energetic, you must find ways to relax and unwind before and during bedtime. Get started with this mini guide to a comfortable night’s sleep.

Alarm clock on a nightstand next to a bed.

Change Your Mattress

If your current mattress feels lumpy or you experience various aches and pains when waking each morning, it is a sign you need to change your mattress. While it might have served you well for many years, it might now be causing you more harm than good.

Wake up feeling fresh and alert by investing in a supportive, custom mattress size from Odd Size Beds, which offers various options to suit almost any bed size and preference.

For instance, you can choose a pocket-sprung mattress that is hypoallergenic and responds to your movements. Alternatively, replace your existing mattress with an organic mattress from Odds Size Beds, which incorporates natural fibres to ensure you have a cosy sleep every night of the week.

Replace Your Pillow

Have you had your pillow for one or two years? If the answer is yes, the chances are it has lost its structural integrity, which could impact your comfort each night.

Test the theory by folding your pillow in half before you go to sleep. If it doesn’t quickly spring back, it is a sign you need to replace it to support your head and shoulders throughout the night.

Turn on a White Noise Machine

If you often wake to the sound of your central heating powering up or are awoken early due to passing traffic or beeping horns, a white noise machine might be an ideal solution.

The consistent, ambient sound will drown out external sounds, helping you fall asleep easily and preventing you from waking up earlier than necessary.

Dim the Lights Before Bed

Turn off harsh overhead lighting at least one hour before bed to prepare your mind and body for sleep. A bright light can energize your brain, making it harder to drift off once bedtime arrives.

Switch off the lights completely or turn on a warm-toned light to relax your mind and body. It might be exactly what you need to unwind before sleep and could help you enjoy an extra hour or more of shuteye. Try it tonight to see if it makes a difference to your bedtime routine.

Install Blackout Curtains

The last thing you will want is for sunlight to wake you when the kids are still sleeping. Install blackout curtains to stop daylight from leaking through your blinds and disturbing your much-needed rest. If light breaks through where the curtain panels meet, consider adding a magnetic clip to seal them tight, ensuring the room remains pitch black.