How Do I Get My Infant to Sleep

Overexertion makes our mind hyperactive and when your mind is in a hyper state, no matter how tired you are physically, you will not get good sleep.

Therefore, you should relax your mind for at least an hour, if not two hours, prior to sleeping. Anything that agitates the mind should be avoided.

Don’t do any major planning or thinking or even reading. No screen time either, whether it is watching TV or browsing through your mobile phone.

As for the physical routine, wash your face and feet with warm water. Always change into fresh and comfortable clothing. Practise 5-10 minutes of deep breathing, yog nidra and Om chanting to calm your mind.

Aroma therapy can be of great help. You can choose from a variety of sleep essential oils/balms.

Please choose reliable brands as artificial fragrances can have the opposite effect and make your mind alert.

Dear M,

Is there a reason why he insists on you being with him?

When did this exactly start, or has it been like this right from when he was a baby? Wanting to still cling on could also be a sign of some underlying stress within the family.

Whatever the reason is, it is certainly useful to wean him off from the emotional security he seeks from you which is satisfied by your physical presence.

What if this emotional security can be fulfilled in other ways?

Like for example: Stories. Stories are a way by which you can bring real life situations without really suggesting anything but driving the point home through a character.

Now, will this work? You can surely give this a fair chance. Start by introducing a character that is around your son’s age and height but with a different name and build a story of his triumph over insecurity and fear and into confidence and happiness.

Also, you can wean off the time you are with him during his bedtime; like if you need to be with him for an hour before he sleeps, bring it down to 30 mins, 15 mins, 10 mins.

Keep a warm, soft light on till he sleeps.

Reassure him that no matter what; you love him and will always do.

Hug him a lot during the day (if he is a child that likes the sensory touch and feel).

Watch movies that show care and love in the family system.

And love, love and love him a lot and show him just that.

All the best!

It is common for new mothers to feel this way, since the body is recovering. Lack of sleep further builds stress and fatigue.

To begin with, you need to embrace lots of patience and start with the following measures:

1. Deep breathing and Anulom Vilom for 15 minutes every day; don’t do Kapalbhati as of now.

2. Om chanting for 15 minutes.

These will help reduce the anxiety; anxiety leads to lack of sleep and loss of energy.

Also, watch your food habits.

Try not to binge-eat or eat late at night as it aggravates anxiety and disturbs sleep.

Over consumption of tea and coffee hampers sleep in multiple ways.