Drifting off to Sleep

Sleep has a massive impact on your day and how you feel, but it’s not just how much sleep you get that’s important, it’s also quality of sleep. Having a newborn baby you learn to cope with very little sleep and how to become a power nap pro. Getting 2-hour bursts of sleep is a killer so there are a couple of things I have been using to help me get back to sleep quickly and improve my quality of sleep.

Essential oils have been an amazing tool, to help me drift off to sleep quickly. Lavender Oil is literally sleep in a pot for me. A couple of months ago I made my own pillow/room spray but mixing a couple of drops of essential lavender oil and distilled water and it’s heavenly. I made it originally for labour ( as lavender makes me instantly relax) and I now use it on my pillow and duvet every night. The great thing about making your own lavender spray is you can make it as strong as you like or even add in other essential oils.

I have also been using a sleep roller (combination of lavender oil, frankincense & Cedarwood) ball on my forearms. I always sleep with my hands by my head so having some essential oils on my arms allows me to fall asleep quickly and stay asleep (until the baby starts crying). In the past, I have also used the This Works Deep Sleep Night Oil, which I loved too.

Apart from essential oils, having a set bedtime routine is another great help. My bedtime now varies but I always make sure I do the same routine, even if it’s just a couple of steps and trying to stay off your phone for at least 15 mins before going to bed. Reading a book before going to sleep is another great way to wind down for the night, I really need to get back into doing this.

Do you find when it’s raining outside you fall asleep quicker? It’s the same reason why many babies sleep with white noise, it muffles out any tiny sounds and gives you something to concentrate on when falling asleep. Sometimes I’ll get google to play the sound of waves or even put on a headspace sleep meditation (these are so good.)

Everyone’s bedtime routine will be different, so it’s trying to find what works best for you. I’ve tried to make our bedroom tidy and relaxing as possible as I know that what I need to fall asleep easily.

Steph x