I’ll be honest…
I used to think I was just “bad at sleeping.”
I’d finally get the kids to bed, tidy the kitchen, answer a few emails, scroll my phone for “five minutes” (which somehow became forty-five), then lie awake thinking about everything I needed to do tomorrow.
School lunches.
Client work.
The washing I’d forgotten to put in the dryer.
Whether I’d replied to that email.
And then, just as I drifted off…
Someone would wake up.
Sound familiar?
If you’re a working mum, chances are you’re not just physically tired—you’re mentally exhausted too. You’re carrying the invisible mental load that comes with running a family while trying to build a career or business.
Over the years, I’ve realised that sleeping better isn’t about finding the perfect bedtime routine. It’s about making small changes that help your mind switch off.
Here are the things that have genuinely helped me.
1. I Stopped Trying to “Do One More Thing”
This was probably my biggest mistake.
I’d tell myself I’d just:
- Reply to one more email.
- Fold one more basket of washing.
- Finish one more job.
Before I knew it, it was nearly midnight.
Now, I remind myself that there will always be another job waiting tomorrow.
The house doesn’t have to be perfect for me to deserve some rest.
2. I Started Switching Off Earlier
For years, I’d sit scrolling social media because it felt like my only time to myself.
The problem?
My brain never really switched off.
Now I try to spend the last half an hour before bed doing something that actually relaxes me.
Sometimes that’s reading.
Sometimes it’s watching a programme.
Sometimes it’s simply sitting with a cup of tea in peace.
It’s amazing how much calmer I feel.
3. I Accepted That Rest Isn’t Being Lazy
This one took a long time.
As mums, we’re so used to looking after everyone else that resting can feel… wrong.
Like we should be doing something productive.
But constantly running on empty doesn’t help anyone.
I’ve learnt that getting enough sleep actually makes me:
- More patient.
- More productive.
- Better at making decisions.
- Less overwhelmed.
Rest is productive too.
4. I Try Not to Take Tomorrow to Bed With Me
If you’ve ever laid awake mentally writing tomorrow’s to-do list, you’re definitely not alone.
Now, before I finish work for the day, I write down my top priorities for tomorrow.
Getting those thoughts out of my head and onto paper makes it much easier to relax.
This works especially well if you already time-block your day because you know exactly when you’ll tackle each task.
5. I Keep My Bedroom for Rest
It’s tempting to answer emails in bed or finish a few bits of work on your laptop.
I’ve done it plenty of times.
But I’ve noticed I sleep much better when my bedroom feels like somewhere to relax rather than another office.
Even putting my phone on the other side of the room has helped stop those “I’ll just check one thing…” moments.
6. I Don’t Chase the Perfect Night’s Sleep
Some nights are brilliant.
Some nights are interrupted.
Some nights someone has a nightmare.
Some nights the cat decides 4am is breakfast time.
That’s just life.
Instead of getting frustrated every time my sleep isn’t perfect, I’ve learnt to accept that some nights will simply be better than others.
Oddly enough, that mindset has actually reduced my stress.
7. I Look After Myself During the Day Too
Sleep doesn’t just start at bedtime.
I’ve noticed I sleep much better when I’ve:
- Drunk enough water.
- Got outside for some fresh air.
- Moved my body.
- Taken proper breaks from work.
- Managed my stress levels.
Everything is connected.
Looking after yourself during the day makes it much easier to switch off at night.
If stress has been building recently, learning how to manage stress as a working mum can make a huge difference.
The Biggest Lesson I’ve Learned
The truth is…
Most working mums don’t need another article telling them to buy lavender pillow spray or meditate for an hour before bed.
We need permission to stop trying to do everything.
Because we’re tired.
Not because we’re lazy.
Because we’re carrying so much.
Once I stopped expecting myself to be endlessly productive, I actually started sleeping better.
Funny how that works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are working mums always so tired?
Many working mums carry the mental load of managing work, childcare, household responsibilities and family life. Even when the day ends, it’s often difficult to switch off mentally.
How can I improve my sleep as a busy mum?
Small habits such as reducing screen time before bed, writing tomorrow’s to-do list, creating a relaxing bedtime routine and managing stress can all help improve sleep quality.
Does stress affect sleep?
Absolutely. Stress and anxiety can make it much harder to fall asleep and stay asleep, which is why learning healthy ways to manage stress is so important.
Is it normal to struggle with sleep as a parent?
Yes. Many parents experience disrupted sleep, especially during busy seasons of family life. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s creating habits that help you rest whenever you can.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need the perfect bedtime routine.
You don’t need to wake up at 5am.
And you definitely don’t need to feel guilty for resting.
Sleep isn’t a reward for getting everything done.
It’s something your body needs.
So tonight, leave the washing.
Ignore the emails.
Make yourself a cup of tea.
And give yourself permission to rest.
You deserve it.
Ready to Create a Life That Feels Less Exhausting?
Better sleep is just one part of creating a calmer, more flexible life.
If you’re looking for realistic ways to earn around family life without burning yourself out, my eBook 5 Ways to Make Passive Income for Female Entrepreneurs shares practical ideas to help you build income that works around your family—not the other way around.
