5 simple self care rituals for better sleep (especially for tired mums)

In collaboration with Simba Sleep.

There’s nothing quite like waking up feeling refreshed after a good night’s sleep. That sense of renewed energy, clearer thinking, and a calmer mood can feel almost magical, especially for mums juggling school runs, busy schedules, and little ones waking through the night.

Many of us already have morning rituals that help us start the day; mine is a glass of warm water with lemon. But evening routines and bedtime rituals can be just as powerful for improving sleep and supporting your wellbeing.

Consistently getting too little sleep can slow metabolism, weaken your immune system, affect your mood, and lead to chronic fatigue. As a mum of four young children, I can tell you that any sleep I get feels golden. To make the most of it, I’ve returned to simple bedtime rituals that calm the nervous system and prepare my body for rest. Even practicing just one can noticeably improve sleep quality, like avoiding screens late at night.

1. Switch off to support better sleep

I recently recommended this to one of my coaching clients, and she’s already noticed a big improvement in her sleep.

With technology constantly within reach, social media endlessly updating, and that familiar fear of missing out, switching off can feel harder than it sounds. A couple of hours before bed, I try to put my phone on Do Not Disturb so I’m not pulled into notifications. It makes a huge difference to how overstimulated my brain feels when my head finally hits the pillow.

If you’re curious about what coaching could unlock for you, I’d love to invite you to a FREE Breakthrough Coaching Call, a relaxed, supportive space to explore what’s feeling stuck and whether coaching feels like the right next step for you.

2. Deal with stressful thoughts in the morning

Getting stressed before bed is a guaranteed way to disrupt sleep. If something feels heavy or overwhelming, I try to leave it until the morning whenever possible. It’s not going anywhere, and I know I’ll be far better equipped to deal with it after rest, rather than replaying it on a loop at midnight.

3. Enjoy a warm drink before bed

As a child, I loved warm milk and cookies before bedtime. Now, I unwind with a cup of herbal tea in the evening to help signal to my body that it’s time to slow down. I also keep a glass of water by my bed for any middle-of-the-night thirst, a small thing that helps avoid fully waking up.

4. Try gentle bedtime yoga for better sleep

Yoga really is wonderful. While it’s often associated with energising mornings, it’s just as effective for winding down at night. I like to do around 10 minutes of gentle bedtime yoga, often guided by a podcast or audio session, especially after a long or emotionally demanding day. It helps release tension and prepares my body for rest.

5. Create a consistent evening routine

I’m a big fan of routines during the day, and bedtime is no exception. Going to bed around the same time each night helps train your body and mind to recognise when it’s time to sleep. Over time, this consistency makes it easier to drift off naturally and improves overall sleep quality.

Quick Tips to Boost Sleep Quality for Mums

  • Avoid screens at least 30–60 minutes before bed.

  • Try gentle breathing exercises or meditation before sleep.

  • Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and clutter-free.

  • Practice gratitude journaling to calm racing thoughts

  • Invest in a good quality mattress.

Do you have any bedtime rituals that help you sleep better? Even the smallest changes can make a big difference over time.

This post was commissioned by Simba Sleep, but all thoughts and experiences shared here are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands I work with — it allows me to continue creating honest, nourishing content for mums, and to support women more deeply through my coaching, helping them slow down, reconnect with themselves, and feel more supported in everyday life.

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Struggling to get a good night’s sleep as a busy mum? These 5 simple bedtime rituals can help you unwind, calm your mind, and sleep more deeply — even with little ones waking in the night. From switching off your phone to gentle bedtime yoga and relaxing evening routines, these tips are easy to fit into your day and make a real difference to your sleep quality.</p>
<p>Discover practical, mum-friendly ways to finally feel rested, restore your energy, and reclaim calm evenings.</p>
<p>Read the full blog for all 5 rituals ➡️ https://drjemma.co.uk/sleep/

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I share a mix of real-life mum moments, simple self-care tips, and little nuggets of coaching wisdom on my Instagram every day. Think behind-the-scenes of life with four spirited kids, practical ways to feel calmer, and gentle reminders to prioritise you without guilt. If you’d like a daily dose of inspiration, laughter, and encouragement for navigating this messy, beautiful mum life, come and join me over on Instagram.  I’d love to connect with you there!