I don't know about you but sleep is one of the most important things in my life in order to stay sane, keeping my mental health in check and a necessity to cope with the day! Having kids throws a really curve ball at the whole sleeping malarkey and you are constantly trying to play catch up. Early risings can take their toll, as can late nights and we always feel cheated if we lose out on our child free time in the evenings by going to bed too early. Grabbing a nap here and there works for me, but more often than not neglected and not a priority when in fact being a more well rested mum is beneficial for the whole family! Having a nightly bath as part of my routine and the odd early night does make a difference. I wanted to share a few things I have found, some I have tried and tested (I have put a * against ones I have actually tried below), that help me enjoy going to sleep, sleep and feel more rested as a parent. These would also make brilliant gifts for a new mum/parent, someone having a tough time or just for yourself! We all deserve a treat (nice PJs make all the difference) and taking time for yourself as a parent is so super important!! Zzzzzz
Spacemasks* - if you haven't seen this product all over social media then you must be from another planet! We were kindly sent some to test out and I can confirm they are brilliant. They are self heating (single use) eye masks that help relieve tried eyes and tension. I fell asleep with mine on (the warmth lasts around 15 minutes) and it was a nice way to relax and unwind. Perfect as a treat if you are having problems getting off to sleep or just want some time to unwind and be more mindful. Also the perfect grown up Secret Santa or stocking filler gift!
Main Image at Top: Spacemasks* £15 for a box of 5
Interstellar Relaxation at its finest
1. Deep Sleep Pillow Spray* by This Works from Marks & Spencer, £35
I've been using this for a couple of months now, simply spray on your pillow each night - for me it's now part of my routine and I love the smell. Apparently it reduces sleep associated anxiety and is proven to aid sleep at bedtime and improve sleep quality. Highly recommend.
2. Womens Slim Jyms* from The Bright Company, £48
Long sleeved comfy pjs at their finest, plus you can twin with your little one too :)
3. Nightsky Flannel Pyjama Set from Hush, £60
Yes that is a gold metallic night sky print! Comes with matching eye mask too. For every Nightsky pyjama set sold, hush will donate £52 to Refuge too.
4. Mattress Topper from Eve*, £129
We were gifted one of these mattress toppers a few months ago - it gives your existing mattress a luxurious boost (foam is 5cm deep) without having to commit to a brand new mattress. It's very very comfy and I love it however it does like to slide off the bed on occasion! I wish I had had it when my two were younger as I spent a lot of time in bed breastfeeding! This would make an ideal new parent present.
5. Liquid Yoga Stress Free Space Spray by Mio Skincare *, £19.50
My sister gave me this when I had Violet, made up of essential oils - it smells incredible! The perfect mood changer to help calm, quieten, de-stress and rebalance. Just spray on your pillow at night to create a serious zen zone
6. Deep Sleep Heavenly Candle *by This Works from Marks & Spencer, £25
Get this going whilst you have a long soak in the bath - a therapeutic calming fragrance is just the trick to unwind, bliss
7. The Fern Luxury Cotton Pyjamas from Desmond & Dempsey, £130
My sister has these and I'm obsessed with the print!! Love a luxury PJ set and you can even get these monogrammed to make them even more personal and special
8. Night Time Tea by Pukka, £2.49
The perfect non caffeinated warming hug in a mug before bed
9. Deep Sleep Shower Gel *by This Works from Marks & Spencer, £15
Yes I know ANOTHER This Works product in my edit - but it really does work and I love the smell, something in it triggers that nice calm down time in me...
10. Leopard Print Silk Eye Mask from Liberty, £50
Yes I hear you say, £50, wow thats a lot - but behold this leopard print beauty sleep mask of dreams - the ultimate gift. I swear by eye masks - they help me sleep longer and go back to sleep if I wake up too early, I want this one though please!!!