As moms, sleep often feels like a luxury. Between late-night feedings, helping with homework, finishing house chores, or squeezing in some quiet time after everyone’s asleep, our rest can easily be the first thing sacrificed. I know this all too well—being both a stay-at-home mom and a work-at-home mom, I’ve had seasons where my sleep was so broken that I felt like I was running on fumes.
Over the years, I’ve learned that while motherhood may never come with perfectly uninterrupted nights, there are simple habits and adjustments that can help us rest better. Here are some practical tips I’ve personally tried and found helpful for getting better sleep as a busy mom.
Tips on How to Get Better Sleep as a Mom
1. Create a Calming Evening Routine
I discovered that how I prepare for bed affects how easily I fall asleep. Instead of finishing chores right up until bedtime, I now try to set aside 20–30 minutes to wind down. Sometimes that means enjoying a cup of herbal tea, doing light stretches, or journaling my thoughts. This small shift signals my body that it’s time to rest.
One thing that really helps me is enjoying a warm cup of herbal tea as part of my evening wind-down. Herbal teas like chamomile or lavender are known to promote relaxation and prepare the body for sleep.”
👉 [Check calming herbal teas on Amazon]
2. Limit Screen Time Before Bed
As a work-at-home mom, I used to find myself scrolling on my phone or checking blog updates late into the night. But the blue light made it harder to fall asleep. Replacing screens with a book or quiet prayer time has helped me fall asleep faster and rest more deeply.
Read: How to create digital detox for moms
If you sometimes need to work on your laptop or phone late in the evening (like I do), blue light blocking glasses can make a big difference. They reduce eye strain and help your brain recognize it’s time to rest.”
👉 [See blue light glasses on Amazon]
3. Take Short Daytime Rests Without Guilt
There were days I resisted napping, thinking I had to “push through” to get everything done. But I realized that a quick 20-minute nap in the afternoon gives me more energy and patience for the evening routine with my kids. Moms need to remember that rest is not laziness—it’s recharging.
To make naps or short rests even more refreshing, I like using a white noise machine. It drowns out distractions and creates a calming environment, which helps me fall asleep faster during quick power naps.”
👉 [Find white noise machines on Amazon]
4. Keep a Consistent Sleep Schedule (As Much as Possible)
Kids thrive on routines, and so do we. I started aiming for a consistent bedtime, even if not perfect. Going to bed and waking up around the same time each day has helped my body naturally settle into a rhythm.
5. Make Your Bedroom Sleep-Friendly
This one made a huge difference for me. I removed clutter, added darker curtains, and made sure my bedding felt cozy. A peaceful environment really does help your brain switch from “busy mom mode” to “rest mode.”
I discovered that blackout curtains are a game-changer for blocking out light and making the room feel cozy.”
👉 [Browse blackout curtains on Amazon]
A weighted blanket has also helped me feel calmer and fall asleep more quickly. It’s like getting a gentle hug that melts stress away.
👉 [Check weighted blankets on Amazon]
And when I want complete darkness, especially if the kids are still awake, a soft sleep mask is my go-to.
👉 [See sleep masks on Amazon]
6. Practice Relaxation and Prayer Before Bed
On nights when my mind is racing with to-do lists, I’ve found that simple breathing exercises, prayer, or gratitude journaling calms my thoughts. It’s my way of giving God my worries so I can truly rest.
Another thing that helps me is using an essential oil diffuser with lavender oil. The calming scent sets the perfect atmosphere for prayer and reflection before sleep.”
👉 [Shop diffusers and lavender oils on Amazon]
➡ Sometimes I keep a small bedtime journal by my nightstand. Writing down my thoughts, worries, or even gratitude helps me release the day and sleep with a clearer mind.
👉 [Explore bedtime journals on Amazon]
7. Ask for Help When You’re Overwhelmed
Sometimes, what keeps us from resting is the pressure to do it all. I’ve learned to lean on my husband and even my kids for support. Sharing responsibilities gives me space to recharge and show up as a more present mom.
🛒 Shop Mom Sleep Essentials
Here are some of my favorite finds that can help busy moms get a restful night’s sleep:
- 🌿 Calming Herbal Teas – Relax with chamomile or lavender before bed.
- 👓 Blue Light Blocking Glasses – Reduce eye strain when working on screens at night.
- 🎶 White Noise Machine – Block out distractions for deeper naps and nighttime rest.
- 🌸 Essential Oil Diffuser + Lavender Oil – Create a calming, spa-like atmosphere in your bedroom.
- 🪟 Blackout Curtains – Keep your room dark and cozy for better sleep.
- 🛌 Weighted Blanket – Enjoy the gentle, calming pressure that helps reduce stress.
- 😴 Soft Sleep Mask – Block light for uninterrupted sleep.
- 📔 Bedtime Journal – Clear your mind by writing down thoughts before sleep.
✨ Tip: These are small but powerful tools that can make a huge difference in how well you rest as a mom. Choose one or two to start and notice the change in your sleep routine!
Final Thoughts
As moms, sleep may never be perfect—but it can be better. I’ve realized that caring for myself, including my rest, directly impacts how I care for my family. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom juggling household duties or a work-at-home mom balancing both work and family, your rest matters.
Start small—choose one or two of these tips and see how they improve your nights. Remember, a well-rested mom is a more joyful, patient, and productive mom.
