How to Shut Off Your Brain at Night (When Mom Life Won’t Let You)

If you’re a mom of multiples, you know the drill—your body is beyond exhausted, but your brain? Wide awake, scrolling through tomorrow’s to-do list, replaying your kid’s latest meltdown, and wondering if you remembered to sign that field trip form. Sleep feels like a mythical concept, kind of like laundry that folds itself. Kind of like this, am I right?!

Moms, I see you. We are tired—but actually falling asleep? Whole different struggle. So, in honor of every mom who’s ever laid in bed exhausted but wide awake, here are the best ways to trick your brain into sleep (and yes, we’ll link some game-changing sleep products below).

1. Trick Your Brain Into Slowing Down

You can’t go from full-speed mom mode to dreamland in five minutes—it’s just not happening. Give your brain a heads-up that bedtime is coming with a wind-down routine. Try:

• Dimming the lights an hour before bed
• Putting your phone away (yes, I said it)
• Reading something light (aka, nothing involving true crime or PTA politics)

2. Let a Sound Machine Do the Work

The same way we use white noise to help our kids sleep, we can use it for ourselves. A sound machine drowns out the house settling, your partner’s snoring, or your toddler’s random 2 a.m. request for cheese.

A portable sound machine means you can bring the sleep magic with you, even on family trips. This multi-functional one doubles as a fan.

3. Brain Dump Before Bed

If your brain is a mess of mental sticky notes, get it out on paper. Jot down your to-dos, worries, or even tomorrow’s lunch ideas. Once it’s written down, your brain knows it doesn’t have to keep replaying it.

This cute bedside journal makes the whole thing feel more official.

4. Find a Wind-Down Ritual That Feels Like a Treat

You don’t need an hour-long bath (unless that’s your thing). Just a little something that tells your body, okay, it’s time to relax. Maybe it’s:

• A few minutes of stretching
• A warm cup of tea
• A lavender-scented pillow spray
• Listening to a bedtime meditation (not one narrated by your toddler)

5. Accept That Rest is Productive

Moms are pros at putting themselves last. But here’s the truth—when you’re sleep-deprived, everything is harder. You’re not a better mom because you run on fumes. You’re a better mom when you’re rested, recharged, and ready to take on the chaos with at least half a cup of patience.

So tonight, give yourself permission to shut it all down. The dishes can wait. The to-do list will still be there in the morning. But you? You need rest. And that is always worth prioritizing.

Sweet dreams, mama—you got this.

What’s your bedtime ritual? I’d love to hear from you… Comment below!