One of the keys to improved recovery, enhanced performance or a better body composition is a higher quality of sleep, and not just longer sleep.
Research and evidence have shown us that there is no substitute for quality sleep.
Many people suffer from poor sleep due to their new born. No amount of sleeping tips will solve this problem, however if you can fix a baby’s sleep, then it’s two birds with one stone, as this will help you with your ability to sleep.
Poor sleep for a baby is common, however like with many things just because it is common does not mean it should be or is normal. If you’re not getting enough sleep try the following tips, you won’t be disappointed.
Topical Magnesium
One of your baby’s priorities, is growing. Magnesium is needed for this process and sufficient levels will have a benefit on building strong bones & teeth. Often though this mineral is utilised for other processes such as detoxification impacting on the quality of sleep your baby gets.
Furthermore, the more active your baby, the more energy they utilise and thus they will use more Magnesium. Magnesium is a calming or relaxation nutrient to the CNS & muscles so rubbing this on the bottom of your child’s feet is ideal just before bed.
Earthing Sheet
Also known as Grounding, this is not a new practice but one that is relatively less known. When you are in direct contact with the Earth, the Earth’s electrons are conducted into your body creating an antioxidant or anti-inflammatory effect as well as regulating your circadian rhythm. The benefits you receive enable a deeper more restful sleep, lowering of stress hormones and relieving muscle tension. Purchase a sheet to put on or under the baby’s mattress.
Liquid Carnitine
Besides the beneficial effect on cognitive function, using carnitine in the morning will set the baby’s excitatory neurotransmitters up for the day allowing for a proper cascade of inhibitory neurotransmitters in the evening. Liquid carnitine is widely available and can be applied to bottle or nipple for feeding.
Liquid DHA
Adequate DHA is required for your baby to grow due to its effect on bone marrow but also is integral for brain development. Studies on children supplementing with DHA have shown to have a beneficial effect on sleep due to its effect on Melatonin. The lower your DHA, the lower the levels of Melatonin released.
DHA can be purchased in liquid or capsule forms so it can be applied in the same way as the Liquid Carnitine, up to three times a day.
Glutamine Powder
Glutamine can benefit the gut which would mean an increased absorption of nutrients from the diet. A combination of Glutamine & Magnesium for improved sleep. Glutamine has also been to increase levels of neurotransmitters.
You can purchase this in powder form and add a simple may to ingest would be to add to milk or an evening drink.
Wifi & Electronics near the Room
Although the Earthing sheet can minimise the disruptive influences of Wifi & electronics, if you are not prepared to invest in one, and even if you are, I recommend removing Wifi appliances from within four metres of the baby’s bed/cot. You may not feel it, but your kid’s cells certainly do.
Pitch Black
Sleeping in pitch black darkness allows for a deeper sleep partly due to an improved release of Melatonin. ALL light supresses Melatonin production. Get into the routine of when lights are out will also regulate your suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) which is responsible for controlling your baby’s circadian rhythm.
In finishing
Although the above tips may offer quick solutions to your sleeping issues, I recommend you do not leave it to when you’re bringing your baby home. I know that sounds obvious but what is less obvious is what you do even before the baby is conceived.
I recommend both mother & father get healthy 6 months prior to conceiving. How to get healthy is beyond the scope of this article but ensuring mineral status for Magnesium, Vitamin D & Zinc alongside reducing toxic load and stress levels is a good place to start.
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