Sleep is the foundation of our well-being. Yet for many parents, restful nights can feel out of reach. Nighttime worries and anxiety often surface just as the world quiets down, making it hard to unwind and get the rest you need.
Like most other parents, you've likely scoured the internet for sleep advice for your kids. You've probably stumbled on more than one listicle about how to create a soothing, calm bedtime routine for your kiddo. These same principles apply to us as adults. Our bodies need signals reminding us that we are safe as we settle down for sleep.
Here are a few gentle practices to help ease your nighttime worries to get better sleep:
Experiment with these steps and notice what feels most comforting to you. And if you're really struggling, know that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia is an effective practice for addressing sleep challenges. You can ask your healthcare provider/insurer for a referral.
Doula, Lori Bregman, offers this kind encouragement for bedtime:
Think about the way mothers, fathers, or caregivers transition a child to sleep. They slowly ease the child into it. When kids go to bed it’s a process, usually some kind of consistent bedtime ritual. They might get a bath, put on pajamas, and go into their room with soft music or nature sounds playing. This peaceful atmosphere leads to a final evening nursing or bottle, a book or two, then goodnight hugs and kisses and wishes for sweet dreams… Try to start putting yourself to sleep like you would a child, in a slow transition filled with nurturing and love.
Corrie Ten Boom, a Dutchwoman, who courageously hid Jewish families from the Nazis during the Holocaust, offers this timeless reminder:
Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.
from Clippings from My Notebook
How will you soothe yourself to sleep this weekend?
If you find yourself struggling with worries and anxiety, check out the Handling Worry Journey in the Moment for Parents app.