Most of you probably know, I have 4 children between the ages of 10 and 3. And y’all, my oldest, Annie, did not sleep the whole night through until she was nearly 5 years old. That’s right – just month before her 5th birthday! I tried nearly every sleep tip under the sun – I was desperate for sleep!
Because as anyone who has gone over 4.5 years without consistent sleep will tell you, it affects everything about your life. You feel like a lunatic, and you are willing to try anyone’s sleep tips.
Sleep is so crucial!
I was frustrated as a new mom because everyone seemed to be having a much easier time getting their children to sleep. I couldn’t do anything to get Annie to sleep – and it was so hard for me! Through a lot – I mean A LOT – of trial and error, I finally found some sleep tips and tricks that work for us.
Because sleep is super important – it’s something that I genuinely love to talk about. And sleep is a thing that I think people just do not get enough of.
People think struggling with sleep is normal. It’s not.
A lack of sleep affects everything in your life. Being sleep-deprived brings so much negativity into your life. But the truth is – sleep is fickle. Not the same thing works for everybody. Different children may respond differently to all the sleep tips out there! So I encourage you to try several things and see what sticks for you. And because I like being helpful, here’s a list of a few sleep tips and products that have actually worked well for us.
1. Magnesium
I will preach the power of magnesium until the cows come home. Why? Because I think the entire world could benefit from magnesium! I bought magnesium lotion after reading a blog post online boasting about the powers of magnesium in the sleep department. Magnesium lotion definitely helped me with Annie – she finally started sleeping through the night…and it was the most amazing thing in our life.
To this day, Annie needs to have that occasional boost of magnesium to help her sleep well. We love and use this magnesium lotion from The Magnesium Lotion Shop. Applying to your legs actually helps with your muscle cramps too. I apply topically on the bottom of the feet for my little ones.
Natural Calm is another way I get magnesium in my kids.
This is a powdered supplement that you add to liquid and drink – or you can add to applesauce, yogurt etc. We love the Raspberry Lemon or unflavored Natural Calm. Annie likes the plain stuff in her yogurt, and Eli likes it in milk or applesauce. Adults might be fine just adding the flavored variety directly to a glass of water.
Besides helping with sleep, magnesium is also great for growing pains, headaches, relieves occasional stress, and constipation. It solves a world of problems! Start with 1/4 teaspoon and work your way up. Start slowly though, because too much in your system can give you the trots… if you know what I mean.
2. Essential Oils.
Before Barry and I used essential oils, we visited some friends who put a combination of Lavender and Cedarwood oils in the diffuser in the room where our kids were all sleeping. And that night, for the first time EVER, they ALL slept through the night. I was impressed and decided to try oils when we got home – and it worked again! When Barry saw the kids sleep through the night, repeatedly…that was when he was SOLD on essential oils! We don’t use many oils at this point, but if they are a good option for many.
3. Baths.
I know it seems like such a small thing but baths are huge for helping calm my kids down. They fall asleep so much more easily if they have a good soak in a bath rich in epsom salts. I add a big scoop of epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) and a couple drops of essential oils like Lavender, Elemi, or Frankincense to their bath. But make sure you use a big scoop of epsom salts…I’m talking like 3/4 of a cup. You don’t want to skimp. I find super affordable big bags of epsom salts at Sam’s Club or Walmart. CBD, along with a good self-care ritual is important for a good night’s sleep.
I hope you try some of these sleep tips… or better yet, try all of them!
You never know what is going to be magic sauce for you and your family. And y’all, sleep is so important!! Trying to survive without it is no joke! When you don’t sleep, the world is crazy and so are you. 🙂 Good sleep is life-changing!
What sleep tips have worked in your home?
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