Moving to a new time zone can be an exciting adventure, but it often comes with the downside of dealing with jet lag. Overcoming jet lag after a move is crucial to settling into your new environment and maintaining your daily routine. In this guide, our sleep experts explore some practical tips and strategies to help you adjust to new time zones and beat jet lag effectively.

Understanding Jet Lag
Before we delve into the tips for overcoming jet lag after a move, it's essential to understand what it is and why it occurs. Jet lag, scientifically known as desynchronosis, is a temporary sleep disorder that occurs when your internal body clock, also known as your circadian rhythm, is out of sync with the time zone you're in. This misalignment can result in various symptoms, such as fatigue, insomnia, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

Create a Comfy Sleeping Area
Creating a comfortable space is paramount when it comes to overcoming jet lag after a move. A cozy and inviting environment can significantly impact your ability to rest and reset your internal clock. Take the time to make your new space more comfy by adding familiar items, soft furnishings, and soothing colors that promote relaxation. Pay special attention to your bedroom; create a cozy bedroom in your new home with comfortable bedding and blackout curtains to ensure a peaceful night's sleep. A well-designed and comforting space can go a long way in helping you adjust to your new time zone and recover from the effects of jet lag more quickly.

Gradually Shift Your Sleep Schedule
One of the most effective ways to overcome jet lag after a move is to gradually shift your sleep schedule before you depart. If possible, start adjusting your sleep and wake times a few days before your move. This will help your body begin to adapt to the new time zone, making the transition smoother.

Stay Hydrated and Avoid Alcohol
Dehydration can exacerbate the symptoms of jet lag, so it's crucial to stay well-hydrated throughout your journey and after you arrive at your new destination. Limit your intake of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, as they can dehydrate you and disrupt your sleep patterns.

Get Exposure to Natural Light
Exposure to natural light plays a significant role in regulating your body's internal clock. Spend time outdoors during daylight hours, especially in the morning, to help your body adjust to the new time zone. This exposure to natural light will help signal to your body that it's time to be awake.

Consider opening curtains and blinds in your new home to allow as much natural light in as possible. If the weather permits, take short breaks during your day to step outside and soak up the sunlight. Even a brief stroll around your new neighborhood can do wonders for resetting your internal clock.

Avoid Heavy Meals Before Bedtime
Eating heavy meals before bedtime can interfere with your sleep quality and make it more challenging to overcome jet lag. Try having lighter meals in the evening, and avoid consuming large quantities of food close to bedtime.

When overcoming jet lag after a move, opt for foods that are easy to digest, such as lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains. These choices can promote better sleep and prevent discomfort during the night. Additionally, consider having a small, balanced snack if you find yourself hungry before bed, as going to sleep with an empty stomach can also disrupt your sleep patterns. Paying attention to your diet can further enhance your ability to adjust to your new time zone.

Use Sleep Aids Sparingly
While it may be tempting to rely on sleep aids or medications to combat jet lag, it's generally best to use them sparingly and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Some sleep aids can have side effects and may not be suitable for everyone. 

It's essential to remember that sleep aids are intended for short-term use and should not become a long-term solution. Prolonged reliance on sleep aids can lead to dependency and may not address the underlying issue of adjusting to the new time zone. Instead, focus on natural strategies to regulate your sleep patterns.

Establish a Consistent Routine
Once you've arrived at your new destination, establish a consistent daily routine as soon as possible. This includes regular meal times, exercise, and bedtime. A structured routine can help your body adjust to the new time zone more quickly. 

Maintaining a consistent routine can also help reduce stress and anxiety associated with the move. Having a predictable schedule provides a sense of stability and control, which can be particularly comforting during the adjustment period. So, create a daily plan that suits your lifestyle and adheres to the local time zone, and stick to it as closely as possible.

Stay Active and Stay Awake Until Bedtime
Engaging in physical activity can help combat the effects of jet lag. Try to incorporate regular exercise into your daily routine, but avoid vigorous workouts close to bedtime, as they may have the opposite effect and make it harder to fall asleep.

Resist the urge to take long naps during the day, as this can disrupt your ability to adjust to the new time zone. Instead, try to stay awake until your usual bedtime, even if you're feeling tired. This will help reset your internal clock.

Consider Melatonin Supplements
Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. Consult with a healthcare professional about the appropriate use of melatonin supplements to help you adjust to the new time zone. Using them as directed and only for a short period is essential.

Conclusion: Overcoming Jet Lag After a MoveAdjusting to a new time zone after a move doesn't have to be a daunting task. By following these practical tips and strategies, you can minimize the effects of jet lag and make your transition smoother. Remember that everyone's body is different, so it may take some time to fully adjust. Be patient with yourself and give your body the time it needs to adapt to the new time zone.

Incorporating these techniques into your routine can help in overcoming jet lag after a move and getting back to enjoying your new surroundings. With proper planning and a little patience, you'll be well on your way to a restful night's sleep and an exciting new chapter in your life.

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Moving into a new home in Virginia is an exciting venture, full of opportunities to infuse your personal style and preferences into your living space. One of the most crucial areas to focus on is the bedroom, where you rest and recharge after a long day. A well-designed, sleep-friendly bedroom can significantly affect the quality of your sleep and overall well-being. Join us as we explore practical and effective ways to design a sleep-friendly bedroom and craft a serene sleep oasis that promotes relaxation and restfulness.

Where to Begin
You may have been overwhelmed by the very process of relocating, even to begin your design adventure. Or if you have had proper help choosing the right local moving company and hiring local movers in Virginia, you are ready to roll up your sleeves and dive in. Unlike the moving part of the journey, designing areas of your new home will be a fun and rewarding experience for the whole family. If, however, you don’t have a penchant for such endeavors—hire someone who does! Whichever path you take, ensure you infuse your style into your sleep-friendly bedroom so you can enjoy it for years to come. 

Choosing Calming Colors and Natural Elements
The colors you choose for your bedroom can significantly impact your sleep quality. Opt for soft, muted tones such as soothing blues, gentle greens, or tranquil grays. These colors have been shown to have a calming effect on the mind, helping you unwind after a busy day. Avoid bold and vibrant colors that might stimulate your senses and hinder your ability to relax.

Bringing elements of nature into your bedroom design can have a calming effect. Consider adding indoor plants known for their air-purifying properties, such as aloe vera or lavender. Natural materials like wooden furniture or stone accents can also contribute to a soothing and cozy atmosphere.

Investing in a Quality Mattress and Pillows
Designing a sleep-friendly bedroom goes beyond aesthetics. Your choice of mattress and pillows is pivotal in your sleep comfort. Choose a mattress that provides adequate support for your body and aligns your spine. Similarly, opt for pillows that cater to your preferred sleeping position to prevent neck and back discomfort.

Remember that everyone's body is unique, so take the time to test different mattress firmness levels and pillow thicknesses to find the perfect combination that suits you. Investing in high-quality bedding essentials enhances your physical comfort and contributes to a sense of luxury and relaxation in your sleep sanctuary.

Controlling Natural and Artificial Light
Lighting has a significant impact on your body's internal clock, also known as the circadian rhythm. Consider installing blackout curtains to block out external light sources that might disrupt your sleep when designing your bedroom. Additionally, incorporate adjustable lighting options to create a soothing ambiance in the evening, mimicking the gradual transition from daylight to darkness.

Declutter for Serenity
A cluttered environment can contribute to a cluttered mind, making it challenging to unwind and fall asleep. Keep your bedroom organized and clutter-free by incorporating ample storage solutions. Design a sleep-friendly bedroom by placing items out of sight and embracing a minimalist approach to decor.

A clutter-free space not only promotes physical relaxation but also nurtures mental clarity. When your bedroom is organized and free of unnecessary items, your mind can better disengage from the chaos of the day. The minimalist decor exudes a serene ambiance and encourages a sense of calm within. Consider multifunctional furniture that combines storage with style, such as a bed with built-in drawers or a sleek nightstand with compartments. By consciously curating your surroundings, you provide yourself with a tranquil retreat where you can escape the demands of the world and embrace the peacefulness necessary for a good night's sleep.

Creating a Technology-Free Zone
It's tempting to use electronic devices before bedtime in today's digital age. However, the blue light emitted by screens can interfere with your body's production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Design a sleep-friendly bedroom by keeping technology out of the sleeping area. Instead, create a dedicated charging station outside the bedroom to discourage late-night screen time.

Prioritizing Comfortable Bedding
Your choice of bedding can make a significant difference in your sleep quality. Opt for soft, breathable, and high-quality sheets and blankets. Natural materials like cotton and linen are excellent options. Ensure that your bedding provides the right level of warmth for your preferences to promote uninterrupted sleep.

Consider investing in a comfortable and supportive mattress to complement your bedding ensemble. A mattress that suits your sleeping style and body type can alleviate pressure points and contribute to a more restful slumber. Remember, the combination of the right mattress and bedding can create a cocoon of comfort that embraces you as you drift off into dreamland.

Soundproofing for Tranquility
Noise pollution can disturb your sleep and leave you feeling fatigued the next day. To design a sleep-friendly bedroom, consider soundproofing strategies such as using heavy curtains, installing a white noise machine, or placing bookshelves against walls that face noisy areas.

Personalizing Your Sleep Space
Make your bedroom truly yours by incorporating personal touches that bring you joy and comfort. Display artwork that soothes your senses add plush rugs that tickle your toes, or hang curtains that resonate with your style. Personalization can contribute to a stronger emotional connection with your sleep space.

Consider creating a cozy reading nook in a corner, complete with a comfortable chair and a soft blanket, where you can unwind before bedtime. A dedicated space for relaxation and leisure activities within your sleep-friendly bedroom adds an extra layer of comfort and tranquility to the overall ambiance. This personalized haven will enhance your sleep quality and provide a sanctuary where you can escape the stresses of the day.

Successfully Design a Sleep-Friendly Bedroom in Your New Home
In conclusion, the design of your bedroom can significantly impact your sleep quality and overall well-being. You can create a sleep-friendly bedroom that becomes your haven of relaxation by carefully considering aspects such as color choices, lighting, bedding, and personalization. Remember that designing a sleep-friendly bedroom is an ongoing process; periodically assess and adjust your space to ensure it continues to meet your evolving needs. Your new home's bedroom has the potential to become the ultimate sanctuary for rest, contributing to a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle. Sweet dreams and restful nights await after you design a sleep-friendly bedroom in your new home.  

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In this era of economic uncertainty, many parents searching for sleep training help for their toddlers, babies and children are coming up with creative ways to help pay for all of that support and assistance to get their children sleeping all night. Working with an experienced, knowledgeable pediatric sleep coach can be a big financial commitment.  

Hiring a sleep consultant or sleep trainer can be costly depending on the sleep consultant’s experience and services offered, so make sure you now exactly what you’re getting for your money. 

Since I trained as a sleep consultant 8 years ago, it’s become much more common for parents to seek assistance with sleep training, yet insurance companies haven’t quite caught up and cover it along with other insurance benefits such as lactation consultants and chiropractors. 

One avenue parents have researched is how to get their medical insurance to pay for it. Now it's not guaranteed that insurance will pay for sleep training but it’s possible you can use your flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) to pay for it. I’ve had a few clients come back to tell me they successfully had my services paid for by their insurance.

Get Pre-Approved

First, check with your individual insurance carrier to see if they cover Sleep Services, Newborn Care particularly out of network Sleep Consultants. make sure that you find out exactly what you'll need in order to be paid. Sleep Consultants are considered alternative, out of network therapies, thus requiring parents to pay upfront and be reimbursed by their insurance company. Make sure that you check with your carrier to see if they cover it.

Determine the Required Documents

Your insurance company should be able to tell you exactly what paperwork is required, such as a detailed invoice, dates of service, exactly what services are being utilized or diagnosis code. 

How to Pay for a Sleep Consultant

You may need to pay upfront and be reimbursed, or use your HSA debit card to pay. Either way, you’ll get a detailed receipt that you can send back for reimbursement.

Finding a sleep consultant near you that fits your family both in personality, their services and support can be a big financial decision and families should explore alternative routes.

And if you are not able to get your health insurance to pay for a sleep coach or consultant, there are a few other alternative routes including crowdsourcing, gift certificates and buy now- pay later options as well. If you find a sleep consultant that you really want to work with and feel they believe the service they offer is worth it, look at different ways of paying for it so that you and your child can get to sleep that you need. 

From Southeast to Northwest DC, moms across the city are juggling it all... work, homelife, their children and particularly, their sleep routines. And when their toddlers and babies aren't sleeping, neither are they. The toll sleep deprivation takes on a mother and her family is far reaching... everything from missed deadlines at work and trying to get a baby to nap when the virtual work-from-home meeting is starting, to having little to no time in the evening to spend with a spouse, work on house chores or just a little time alone. 

So if you're dealing with a sleep regression, popping in a binkie/pacifier multiple times per night or trying to decide which sleep training method is right for you, contact us and set up a free introductory call to ask any questions you like. 

It's Sleep Awareness Week, and a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds that 44% of single moms living with children under the age of 18 fall short of recommendations ​for proper sleep.

My top recommendations for single parents to get a little more restful sleep!

1. Make sure that you are getting your kids in bed early - infants, newborns, toddlers, young children, should be getting into bed some time between 7-8pm at night
2. Go to bed at the same time every. single. night - ideally, some time between 9-10pm
3. Make sure that your children have independent sleep skills!

Watch the video for WUSA9 below:

I can help with that last one! Connect with me today to see how we can optimize your kids' independent sleep, to make sure you are getting your best chance for your own much-needed rest.

Twins! Twice the fun and double the love. With any baby, sleep training can be hard. As a parent of twins, it can seem downright impossible. But sleep training twins can be successful with a few tips to get you started. 

The biggest thing to consider when getting ready to sleep train twins is their adjusted age. Chances are, when your babies were born, they were not full term. This means they have a bit of catching up to do developmentally before they’re ready to form the best sleep habits. If you’re calculating their age based on the day they were born, you may be attempting to sleep train before they are ready. 

A big misconception that I hear often is that sleep training requires letting your baby cry it out. This can make a twin parent cringe! How can you let one baby cry it out with the other one trying to sleep nearby? The cry-it-out method is not the only sleep training method you can use. Look into other methods such as the pick up/put down method or the chair method (which could potentially be used for both twins at once!). In addition, if one baby is sleeping better than the other, consider having them sleep in another room temporarily while you train their sibling. Twins tend to be on the same routine once it’s established, but getting there may take some work. 

Listening to your baby's cues also helps immensely. As new parents, we often feel the need to document everything and feed on a schedule. During the night time, let your babies sleep and only feed them if they wake! This may seem pretty obvious, but if your baby is gaining weight as they should be, get the sleep while you can and let them tell you when they’re ready to eat again. 

Lastly, as a twin parent, celebrate your successes no matter how small! You are working so hard and any steps you make towards better sleep should be recognized. Dropped a night feeding? Hooray! Got both babes to self-soothe? Boom! Give yourself a pat on the back. 

I want to know, have you trained infant twins? What tips and tricks worked for you? 

​Tired parents are desperate to get their kids to sleep. There’s a whole industry designed to help (for a fee).

​I remember when I reached my breaking point with my son’s sleep. He had faced big changes to his little life over the previous year: an interstate move, a new house, a new preschool, and the arrival of his baby sister. His routines suffered for it, and his bedtime demands had become increasingly baroque and desperate.
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If my husband or I didn’t stay in the room with him until he fell asleep, he would explode with panic. “I’m all alone and I’m only 3 years old!” he wailed through a sheet of tears and mucus. If we left the room, he hurled his body against the door like a moth thumping a porch light.

This particular night, my husband was out of town, leaving me solo with both kids. Hours since I’d gotten him in his jammies, my son was still awake and his protests were threatening to wake the baby. This risk was unacceptable.

I pulled him out of their shared bedroom and into “the big bed” with me. The lights were off but his little overtired body wouldn’t stop twitching and jerking with excitement. As his heels jabbed at my ribs (“I’m just stretching”), I directed my phone’s glow away from his face and fired off a deranged missive via online form. Christine emailed me back the next morning.

“One of the top times that I get emails from tired parents is somewhere between midnight and 2 am,” says Christine Stevens, who owns Sleep Solutions by Christine. Stevens is a certified child and infant sleep consultant, a professional who offers services to families struggling with behavioral childhood sleep problems. She is one of the growing league of such professionals around the globe, a cohort of providers who fill this need for exhausted families.

I was looking at my calendar this week and I can't believe it's almost August. Our summer has been so much fun with plenty of days at the pool, working on projects at home and of course, an upcoming trip to the beach! I love waking up early to get in a quick run on the boardwalk before stopping at a cool little coffee shop to have breakfast. 

What trips do you have planned for the remainder of the summer? Anywhere fun?

And while I'm on vacation, I'm looking forward to early bedtimes for my daughter because she is guaranteed to be exhausted from all the beach time and fun. Will she sleep all night...you bet!

Some parents worry that they'll get even less sleep when they're on vacation, but that doesn't have to be the case. In fact, it should be the opposite--you and your child should get MORE sleep while you're on vacation. That's the whole point of vacation, right? 

One of the things you shouldn’t have to worry about is how you’ll sleep when you’re staying somewhere other than your home. Because…face it…you’ll need the sleep and so will your children.

Whether you’re only going for a quick weekend trip or staying at a beach condo for the week, your child can continue to sleep as well as they do at home.  

Here are a few tips to help ease the craziness of sleeping away from home with your child.

Tip #1 – Make your child’s sleeping area feel like home as much as possible.  Bring along your child’s lovey, sleep sack and white noise machine, if you use one.  Make the environment as close to home as possible to help ease your child’s anxiety of being in a new place.

Bonus points for you if the room your child is staying in has good room darkening curtains. For a quick solution, throw a blanket over the curtain rod to make the room darker!

Tip #2 -- Separate your sleeping spaces as much as possible.  If you’re staying in a hotel room with a separate bedroom, there’s nothing wrong with your child sleeping in the bedroom so you can continue to watch TV and go to bed when you're ready.  If you have to share a room with your child, make sure they have their own sleeping space, such as a portable crib or cots for toddlers already sleeping in a big kid bed. If you’re worried about lugging the portable crib along with your luggage and your child’s car seat, ask to borrow one at your destination. Grandparents have friends with grandchildren, maybe your sister who’s driving in can bring her extra portable crib, or check in the area for rental companies that will supply cribs to your hotel.

(I've seen kids sleep in some odd places in an effort to make their space dark so don't think it hasn't been tried.)

Tip #3 – Don’t skip naps. Make sure your child is getting the recommended amount of naps they need.  Finding times for naps can be tough when you’re on the go from sun up to sun down and yes, sometimes they may be in the car seat or stroller.  Nap times may be a bit off and that's fine, as long as your child is not overtired when it is time for bed.

It’s easy for family and friends to want to pass the baby around and keep playing until baby is screaming from being overtired. If you know it’s time for a nap, it’s ok to put baby down to sleep. And if your cousin wants to keep baby awake to play longer, ask if she wants to play with a happy baby or a screaming, overtired baby…I think you’ll know the answer. 

I hope you have a good time on your vacation!
 
With a few adjustments, you’ll all sleep comfortably no matter where you are…ok...so the fold-out couch at Grandma's might not be your comfy mattress at home, but it’ll do for a short-term stay.
 
And if your baby or child isn’t sleeping well now, contact me at www.sleepsolutionsbychristine.com and let’s chat about your situation. We can work together to have restful nights now, and learn more ways to make sleep on vacation much for enjoyable for your whole family!

Time to Fall Back and Say Goodbye to Daylight Savings Time

According to the calendar, this weekend we’re supposed to get an extra hour of sleep as daylight savings time ends…tell that to our kids! ​

I’m here to make a confession. Yes, I’m a sleep coach but I too have rough nights of  sleep.
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It doesn’t happen often but I know how you feel. It’s 3am and you’re staring at the clock. You have a few hours before you have to get up for work and you’re worried how you’ll get through the day on so little sleep. You feel like your nights are on repeat…falling asleep but not staying asleep. Or you’re the opposite…you lay in bed and can’t seem to fall asleep no matter what you do.

So what can you do to make your nights more restful? Do these 4 things to help you drift off to sleep faster and feel more rested in the morning.
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​A few months ago, I was contacted by a mom of a 1-year old boy from Maryland was keeping his parents
awake all night. She told me that every night; she had to CLIMB into her son’s crib at bedtime to cuddle
with him until he fell asleep, then would slowly climb her way out of the crib, hoping he wouldn’t wake
up. This had been going on for months and she was exhausted.

A few days later, I was contacted her friend, who had a 2 year old little boy, telling me that her son was
keeping she and her husband up all night; he wasn’t staying in his crib and the whole family was
suffering because of his nighttime crib jumping. She’d heard from her friend about working with me and
decided she needed my help as well.

Both moms thought they’d tried everything and just wanted to get some sleep.

Their goals were the same…they needed sleep and so did their little ones.

We started out by talking about the boys’ sleep environment and how inviting their rooms were for
sleep. We made sure each room was as dark as possible, using blackout curtains. We made sure each
crib was safe and lowered as far to the floor as each would go to prevent falls. We also made sure to use
white noise machines to help drown out the noise from the rest of the house.

Since each boy had a different situation and amount of sleep needed, each had his own custom sleep
plan for the parents to follow. The parents got to choose which method they wanted, based on their
parenting style, to help their son sleep through the night and get on a good nap schedule.

During each family’s consultation, we talked about things that were going well with their current
situation and areas, such as naptimes and length, that needed to be improvement. We talked about
bedtime routines, when to put the boys to bed, how to handle getting the boys to sleep and how to
handle night wakings. We streamlined each boys’ bedtime routine to around 30 minutes and how to
keep bedtimes early (about 7:30/8pm). Finally we made sure each boy was getting a good nap during
the day and at the right time to balance out their day so they weren’t tired at bedtime.

Within 1 week, much to the surprise of both moms (and the Dads), both boys were putting themselves
to sleep, sleeping through the night and were no longer giving their parents nighttime shenanigans. I
was there to support them throughout the entire process and I’m happy to report that both boys are
still sleeping like angels, months later.

If you’re ready to stop the nighttime shenanigans and get your baby or child sleeping through the night,
schedule a free call with me today to learn how you can get your child sleeping, just like these moms
did.