Watching Sleep Levels

Sleep.

None of us are getting enough.

But our kids, on most nights, really should be (high schoolers are a different story at times, but try to control what you can).

I think one of the very most important things I can do — even though my kids are older is to watch for correlations between behavior and sleep.  Watching sleep levels is really important!

My youngest has an easy “tell” for sleep levels.  She is a serious thumb sucker, and when I see that frequently I know we’ve hit max limits and bedtime needs to be early (at least for a few nights, maybe for good).  She, much like other kids will often show her more ornery side if sleep is not obtained in the quantity she requires.

I think sometimes we get so caught-up in a “bedtime” that we need be aware it should flex with our kids.

Activities make the bedtime flex sometimes

Behavior and just current sleep situation also needs to let it flex.  I have really stopped trying to use bedtime as a punishment.  In reality, it’s a natural human need, not a punishment at all.

I think that’s something I learned really well when I read love and logic.  It’s just a natural thing, that if you’re tired (as shown by your mean nature) that you need to go to bed a bit early.  There are plenty of nights I have to go to bed early for being mean too! (just ask my husband)

Great sleep often happens on a great mattress — I have a 5 Little Monkeys Mattress coupon code.

Anyway, adjusting bedtime to best suit our kids is something {Smart} moms do.  I will say that you can adjust bedtime all you want, but you can’t make a kid sleep.  That’s their own problem, but I am always hopeful that a quiet, dark environment will help them sleep (if they are adequately tired).

Do you do anything when your kids are extra tired?  Tell us in the comments!  My youngest has a REALLY hard time settling down, maybe I should try some essential oils….  What do you do?

**{Smart} Moms is a relative term.  I had to give it a name, but I am the first one to say I’m not smart all the time. I sometimes just don’t pay attention like I should — I just find it easier when I do.  This series is just a list of things I’ve found to make life easier — not to say — WOOT WOOT, I’m SOooooOOOO smart! {said like Steve Martin}

Check out all my other {smart} moms posts:[pt_view id=”4256a9870e”]