When the entire family is sleep deprived everyday life can be extremely difficult. Patience runs thin, tantrums seem constant and basic activities are a real struggle.

It is very difficult to enjoy life as a family when all things are overshadowed by exhaustion. It is also very unlikely that that in the midst of the stress there is any downtime to enjoy in the evenings or throughout the day as an opportunity for sleep will always take priority.

If sleep is a problem for your whole family these products could help improve things

1. Blackout blinds or curtains. A lot of people find that light is a big problem for their children. In the summer months, they reject bed-time because they can see that the light outside suggests that it is day-time. Blackout blinds or curtains are a great way of combatting this. They will darken the whole bedroom at any time of the day to accommodate naps as well as possibly encouraging your child to sleep later in the morning. To add to this blackout blinds could really help you as a parent too. In the midst of a busy life, it can be difficult to switch off and fall asleep easily and a dark room certainly helps you do this.

2. Decaf tea and coffee. This one is for the parents. Caffeine is one of your biggest tools as a parent. I feel you. It helps you get through the day and is such a comfort when you are sleep deprived. However, it is also part of the problem. When you are fuelled up on caffeine it is much more difficult to find sleep when the opportunity finally does present itself. Many parents switch to decaf tea or coffee after lunch for example.

3. Essential oils such as lavender come highly recommended for the whole family. You can use them as a mist on bedding and pillows or add them to a diffuser throughout the rooms of your home. They are natural and therefore safe for children to be around.

4. A slow cooker could actually lead to better sleep for the whole family. Utilising a slow cooker is a great way of ensuring your family eat well. It is a quick and easy way of making healthy family meals without spending hours in the kitchen. It could reduce the amount of processed food and sugar everyone eats which really impacts the quality of sleep for all family members.

5. Effective toy storage solutions. It is important to create a relaxing space that will encourage the whole family to wind down before bed. If your child’s bedroom resembles a messy toy store then it is probably providing way too much stimulation for your child at night. Pack away toys before the bedtime routine begins so that the focus is on soft lighting, bedtime stories and an air of calm to help everyone relax.