Do you ever wonder how to sleep like a kid? Soundly, peacefully, stretched across the bed without a care in the world? Here are some tips to sleep like a kid again.
From the time my daughters were newborns until now, ages 2 and 5, I’ve watched them sleep soundly and thought, “Wow it must be so nice.” Especially on the mornings after the nights they kept me awake. Kids are rarely woken by adults, never plagued with insomnia over life, and usually snooze sprawled out in their bed. Sleep is grand for kids … and maybe we all need to take a page from their books. Here’s How to Sleep Like a Kid.
Tip 1: Follow a routine.
The most obvious way to sleep like a kid is to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. Parents around the world put their children to sleep at a specific hour every evening and without missing a beat, those kids wake up at the same absurd hour every day. Perhaps our kids sleep so well because they follow a routine? Just try sticking to a sleep/wake schedule and see what happens.
Just this morning I left my daughter snoring peacefully and stretched comfortably across my own bed. The jealousy was real… but she was catching her last Zzzs before it was time to wake up.
Tip 2: Be active ALL day.
Do you know any children who spend hours glued to a desk and computer five days a week? Even kids in school move around the classroom with enough frequency that they never experience a sleeping bottom in their desk chair. Run a couple of laps around the house (or office), dance in the shower, or jump on the couch for 20 minutes. Whatever you do, make time for physical activity during the day since aerobic exercise promotes better sleep. Or just be active ALL day like a kid and maybe you’ll sleep better at night.
Tip 3: To sleep, avoid caffeine after 12pm.
I don’t know about your child, but mine isn’t allowed to drink caffeine. If the avoidance of caffeine altogether helps children sleep like peaceful cherubs, try it out. Or maybe just ditch the afternoon coffee.
Tip 4: Read a book before bed.
How is it that my daughters fall asleep instantly the nights we read storybooks before bedtime? Books are distractions from stresses and tensions that can plague your mind at the end of a long day. Try to calm your own mind by reading a book instead of scrolling through your phone or watching T.V. Reading is relaxing!
Tip 5: Seek More Advice from the Better Sleep Council
The Better Sleep Council was established in 1978 to help people start every day with a good night’s rest. They were formed by bedding leaders and sleep experts who represent a cross-section of the sleep products industry. The has more secrets to a good night’s sleep, like making your bed GOOD for sleep. If you have trouble sleeping at night there is a chance the mattress is to blame. Check out the
Hillary Conheady says
I love this post and the pictures!! Being active all day is such a great tip!
Anna English says
Being active throughout the day helps me sleep well at night! I always try to get in some physical activity.
Tanvi Rastogi says
Following a routine is the key for me. GoT has robbed me off an hour of sleep for the past few weeks and I am not happy about that 😀
❥ tanvii.com
Morgan says
Not sure I can avoid caffeine after 12 but will definitely use your other tips!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
Stephanie says
I gotta admit, I’m terrible about not drinking caffeine after noon. I usually have 2-3 cups of coffee each day … oftentimes STARTING after 12pm haha. But I will say routine, physical activity, and reading before bed can be great. I also drink herbal teas before bed, meditate, and try to take warm baths as frequently as I can!
Cathy says
These are such great tips. My brain is always still moving a mile a minute when I try to go to sleep. It takes me forever! I’m going to try reading-that’s a good one!
XOXO
Cathy
Greta says
I’ve found that melatonin works wonders if you’re having a hard time sleeping. I drink coffee at all hours of the day too, I should work on that!
ashley hargrove says
These are such great tips!! I am the worst sleeper and wake up feeling awful! I’m about to leave for Italy and really need to save this post so I can practice some of these tips or I’m going to be miserable!!
Mandy Gragg says
Yes couldn’t agree more!! Staying active all day makes a huge difference.
Azanique S Rawl says
Reading a book definitely helps me wind down! I need to try finding a normal routine 🙂
-xo, Azanique | https://www.lotsofsass.com
Jackie says
The routine is so key. And anytime I drink caffeine after noon I do pay for it! It’s a shame, because I really could use some at about 2pm!