9 Ways New Moms Can Get to Bed Earlier

What is sleepmaxxing?

If you're confused about sleepmaxxing, you're not alone — it's really not a straightforward term. It reminds us of what Will Ferrell said in Blades of Glory: "No one knows what it means but it's provocative...gets the people going." However, it actually has a meaning, and Dr. Bindal succinctly breaks it down. "Sleepmaxxing is the art and science of optimizing one's sleep and achieving the best possible quality & quantity of sleep by addressing every factor that can disrupt sleep," he says. This can look like using ear plugs, sleep masks, establishing specific sleep rituals, or anything else that is soothing and helpful.

Mainly, if you actually want to maximize your sleep, then you need to focus on what you do before you go to bed. Unbeknownst to us at times, our bedtime habits can affect the kind of rest we get (or not) at night. Dr. Bindal says, "Optimal Sleep hygiene methodologies including limiting light and sound exposure to using the latest sleep gadgets so sleepmaxxing aims to enhance sleep quality to the fullest." Unfortunately this means our habit of binge watching shows or scrolling mindlessly on TikTok at night aren't helping us.

I mean, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 35% of those surveyed have their sleep interrupted by lights inside of their homes. That's just lights, sans repetitious social media sounds and compelling television plots. When you add those on top of it all...let's just say we really are not doing ourselves any favors.

How does getting the proper amount of rest aid in our overall wellbeing?

Now that you have a better idea of what sleepmaxxing is, we have to talk about why it matters. Dr. Bindal says getting the "proper amount of sleep" helps support" the following "various bodily functions" including, but not limited to:

• Brain health — Enhanced cognition in domains of learning, concentration and consolidating memory by promoting phenomenon of hippocampal plasticity
• Immune system function — A production of essential immune cells, better equipped to fighting off infections
• Hormone regulation — A regulation of mood and reduced stress and physical repair that promotes muscle recovery, tissue repair, and overall physical development

He further explains that hormone regulation eventually leads to "improved mood, concentration, energy levels, and reduced risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes."

Basically, the health benefits of slowing down and going to sleep outweigh what society often pushes — staying up later, longer and hustling at all hours of the day and night.

On average, how many hours of sleep are recommended?

How much rest are you truly getting at night? If you ask America's Health Rankings, 35% of adults are getting less than seven hours of sleep. Dr. Bindal says that while adults should sleep between seven and nine hours every night, and there are health risks for those who don't. "Research corroborates that adults who sleep less than seven hours a night may have more health issues than those who do," he explains. Johns Hopkins Medicinefound that sleep deprivation can lead to a "36% increased risk for colorectal cancer," propensity for developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and an overall lower immune system.

Saying "I'll sleep when I'm dead," may sound like a joke, but there's nothing funny about not letting your body get the rest it needs to function.

Should people with sleep difficulties try sleepmaxxing?

There are several reasons why your sleep could be negatively impacted right now. You may be dealing with insomnia due to stress, depression, or being a new parent. According to the American Psychological Association, 43% of people believe being stressed contributes to their lack of sleep. Furthermore, these same people have noticed their mood has shifted. The same reports shows that 45% of people who are getting less than the recommended hours of sleep have shared they feel on edge more than others while 52% have noticed they've been taking their frustrations out on those in their household.

Dr. Bindal agrees that sleepmaxxing can greatly benefit you if you're struggling because it can "enhance sleep quality to the fullest and emphasizes the importance of optimal sleep health."

How does sleepmaxxing benefit us?

Clearly, you need a certain amount of sleep to function properly and achieve all those goals you've so intentionally set recently (hello, October Theory!). That's where sleepmaxxing can come in. Dr. Bindal says, "Improved sleep quality can lead to enhanced mental clarity and emotional stability, making it easier to navigate daily challenges."

If you're planning to change a few habits, you're going to need all the strength and focus you can access because change isn't always easy — even if you welcome it! So when you're implementing these new nighttime routines, be sure to stick to them. Turn your phone on Do Not Disturb, avoid the itch to scroll socials, and make sure you're able to properly relax. It can make all the difference in the world!

How can we incorporate sleepmaxxing in our bedtime routines?

If you don't know how to make sleepmaxxing work for you, Dr. Bindal has great suggestions! "Key techniques include optimizing your sleep environment, establishing a consistent sleep schedule, and managing stress and anxiety," he suggests.

One of the key ways you can make sure your room will promote a good night's sleep is by "adjusting the temperature" or "practicing a relaxation exercises before bed," he says. While meditation and mindfulness may be relaxation exercises that take practice over time, choosing the correct temperature is an easy way to set yourself up for success. Everyone's different, but he truly believes your room should be between 65 and 69 degrees Fahrenheit, too.

As Dr. Bindal mentioned before, eliminating sources of light can also aid in the rest you get. Personally, I can't sleep with the TV or lights on anymore because I just know it interrupts my sleep. My room is usually pitch black when it's time to go to sleep — to the point my three-year-old knows what it means when I turn everything off.

Besides these things, Dr. Bindal encourages you to maintain "consistent sleep and wake times" along with a "balanced diet and regular physical activity." Whether that means you start making your own Cava bowls inspired by the blue zone diet or doing workouts at home, they can aid in helping your body repair itself which then promotes the sleep you need.

Can we become too hyper-focused on our quality of sleep?

As with anything, too much of something can have adverse affects which rules out any benefits. Though sleepmaxxing can be a good thing for you, becoming fixated on it is likely going to make you even more stressed. "One of the primary concerns with sleepmaxxing is the development of orthosomnia, a condition caused by an obsession with tracking sleep metrics, with devices or apps, which increases anxiety and can further disrupt sleep, called paradoxical insomnia," Dr. Bindal warns.

If you become too obsessed with tracking every little thing, he says all this will do is "disrupt sleep cycles and limit the efficacy of insomnia treatments." But, he has an idea of what you can do to lessen the chance that'll happen. "Instead of over-analyzing how much sleep you’re getting, it’s important to understand that insomnia is a common and treatable condition, by incorporating healthy sleep hygiene routines organically and focusing on addressing the root causes of insomnia symptoms," he shares.

How can we optimize our sleep without getting sucked into wellness trends?

Whether you want to call it sleepmaxxing or not, all you have to do is normalize the tips Dr. Bindal mentioned above. "Some of the ways can include established a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, managing light exposure, and limiting screen time before you want to go to sleep," he reiterates. Social media isn't going anywhere so don't let your FOMO convince you that potential scandals or tutorials are more important than getting seven to nine hours of sleep.

Also, don't forget to "maintain a comfortable sleep environment" while being aware of your "caffeine and alcohol intake throughout the day," Dr. Bindal points out. Something tells us that we're going to have to be intentional about breaking up with our daily coffee runs and desires to unwind with a nice glass of wine. But if it means we'll sleep better, we'll add that to our list of habits to change!

Do Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson get along?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ELLE Magazine (@elleusa)

Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson definitely get along, and in a recent prank call interview with Elle, they proved they have a great sense of humor too! When Suki and Rob get on the phone, they immediately refer to each other as "Darling" and "Angel" which made me swoon.

When told Suki had an offer to host Love is Blind together, Robert says, "Darling, have you gone mad? Are you joking? Is this whole thing a joke?"

After learning it is indeed a joke, Robert says, "I was like, 'Babe if you think it's the right thing for you.'"

Who knows, maybe we'll see them host together one day!!

Where were Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson recently seen?

The new parents stepped out in style during the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic on October 5 and they somehow seem cooler than before. Both wore pairs of shades that obscured their eyes, but their smiles and coordinating outfits were on full display! From the deep navy floral dress Suki wore to Robert's tailored suit, something tells me these two were prepared to turn heads.

What did Suki Waterhouse recently say about her family?

Suki Waterhouse can't stop gushing about her family! She showed up in style on the 2024 MTV VMA's red carpet and said Robert Pattinson is "the greatest" at being a dad to their 6-month-old baby girl (via Access Hollywood). Though he was working, Suki happily brought their daughter with her and had fun "showing her around New York City" prior to her red carpet appearance. As far as little one's personality, Suki disclosed that "She has such a sweet nature," and she's enjoying watching it unfold.

How does Suki Waterhouse feel about motherhood and her relationship with Robert Pattinson?

Suki Waterhouse is learning how to manage being a first-time mom who also has a career — two things that aren't easy to balance whatsoever. One of the things she shared with British Vogueis that she realized how much pressure moms are under. "Every mum’s morality is in question so much, not just from yourself, but from society," she said. "Everyone’s projecting something onto you. That’s an insane thing."

The one thing she observed about Robert Pattinson is how he seems to be adjusting to fatherhood. She said, " [he's] the dad I could have hoped for...It’s an actual love story."

Concerning their love story, Suki's song "To Love" from her upcoming album Memoir of a Sparklemuffin celebrates what it means to find your person. She said, "I had a very clear feeling of being like, ‘Oh, wow, Rob and I have been together six years and I’m still really into this.'" For Suki, all that seems to matter is, "This love and having a family and having a little world."

Someone bring us another box of tissues because this sounds so sweet!

Has Robert Pattinson made a public statement about his daughter?

Robert usually doesn't share too many details about his personal life, but there's no hiding from the joy of being a first-time dad! He recently attended the Dior Homme Menswear Spring/Summer 2025 fashion show in Paris (via People) and looked just as amazing as we remember seeing him in public.

Thanks to a short clip a fan posted to X, we're finally able to know how Robert feels about #dadlife. Though you have to really listen to hear what's he saying, there's no mistaking that he's loving life.

"[Having a baby] makes you feel very old and very young," he said with a smile that reached his eyes. "She's so cute...You know, I'm amazed by how quickly their personality comes. So even at three months, I'm like, 'Oh … I can kinda see who she is already.'"

Did Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson secretly get married?

Remember those whispers about Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson's engagement? Well, the couple is now rumored to have secretly gotten married already!

According to a source, they've been riding the marital bliss wave for some time. "The capper on that transformation has been for them to finally get serious about starting a family and spending the rest of their lives together. Official PR announcement or not, Rob and Suki are a married couple," they revealed to In Touch Weekly.

What exciting news did Suki Waterhouse share during her Coachella set?

Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson were spotted at Coachella on Friday in preparation for the former's amazing performance! A fan page shared several candid shots of the couple walking around on Instagram and we're living for Suki's fur coat moment. Only she could make her outfit look effortlessly cool.

But, one of the best moments during her Coachella set is the beautiful way she announced the gender of her and Robert's baby. In this awesome TikTok video, Suki can be seen smiling as she talked to the crowd. "I don't know if some of you know, but I've had some pretty big life changes happening this year...and I've been very lucky to have my own little amazing lady and meet the love of my life," she said.

This means Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson are officially on #TeamGirl 💕!

What has Suki Waterhouse said about her postpartum experience?

Suki Waterhouse shared how she was doing during postpartum on Instagram and gave her honest opinion about it. She wore an oversized cardigan, a nursing bra, and a pair of Frida Mom Disposable Underwear. She wrote, "the fourth trimester has been… humbling! the postpartum period has been filled with exhilarating joy, so much laughter, tears, soo many hormones! I’m proud of everything my body has achieved and proud of the kindness and grace I’ve given myself during this recovery period. 💕ootd: @fridamom pants!"

People applauded her for being so honest about postpartum with @juliemic79 commenting, "Thank you for being so real about what we go through after we deliver our precious angels. The hormones, the sleepless nights., the sheer joy and wonder of how such a little human can make your heart burst. It's a journey, take the time and heal and enjoy..."

Have Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson revealed their newborn to the public?

Suki shared an adorable pic of her holding their precious baby on Instagram with the caption, "welcome to the world angel ❤️." Singer Halsey wrote "ROCKSTAR MOM!" while Paris Hilton typed, "Congratulations love! So happy for you both!🥰" Amazon Prime is even spotted in Suki's comments!

Plenty of Suki's fans left their own sweet messages too! User @mischa.moo wrote, "Child’s gene pool is made of gold omg," which sums up how we feel.

Did Suki Waterhouse give birth?

Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson welcomed their first baby together earlier this year and it was one of the best baby news we'd come across! The new parents kept the details of baby's birth under wraps, but DailyMail shared exclusive images that showed they'd enjoyed a nice family outing while Robert pushed their newborn in a baby stroller

Why did Suki Waterhouse turns heads at the 75th annual Primetime Emmy Awards?

People shared that Suki Waterhouse practically floated on the red carpet while wearing a custom-made red Valentino gown that showed off her growing baby bump. She looked ethereal as the camera caught several angles of her face and the cut-out portions of her gown that revealed her and Robert Pattinson's baby.

Funnily enough, the gown had to be altered before it fit her frame perfectly. She said, "I was really excited about this look, Valentino...but it didn't even — like, I had to hold it. The fitting was just me holding it to my. body, so they had to really...redesign this dress to make it fit the bump."

As far as we're concerned, it all worked out in the end! Honestly, we love that more mamas are choosing to redefine their maternity style.

When did Suki announce her and Robert's baby news?

While performing at the Corona Capital Festival in Mexico, Suki shocked concert-goers at the beginning of her performance. A fan account posted a clip on X where she could be heard talking about distracting the crowd from a very obvious baby bump. She said, "...I'm not sure it's working" while working the stage in a sparkly mini dress and faux fur coat.

How long have Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson been dating?

Time flies fast because it's been more than a few years since Suki and Robert became a couple. People reported that it was rumored they began dating in 2018. However, the couple kept their relationship private — good thinking — for a while.

When did Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattison make their official debut?

The Hollywood Reporter shared that the couple appeared at the Dior Men's Fall show last December. They looked stylish and romantic as they walked the red carpet, which is how we've continued to see them.

What recent projects have Suki Waterhouse and Robert Pattinson worked on?

Besides performing at the Corona Capital Festival this past weekend, Suki Waterhouse recently appeared as Karen Sirko in Daisy Jones & The Six this year. As stated above, Robert Pattison's last major project was The Batman.

When's the best time to do holiday shopping?

The best time to do holiday shopping really all depends on your personal shopping goals. Do you want to get a jump on items you know will sell out soon? Do you want to save the most money possible? Do you want to focus on handmade, personalized gifts? These factors will undoubtedly influence your holiday shopping schedule.

Shopping early can be advantageous for all of the aforementioned goals. A lot of retailers start promoting their holiday products early on, giving you ample time to snatch up that limited-time lip kit or fancy water bottle you’ve been eyeing way before the holidays.

Plus, some of the best deals for holiday shopping happen ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday – in 2023, Experian observed a surge in early spending in October, thanks to early discounts, a trend likely to continue in 2024.

Finally, shopping early can be especially helpful if your plan is to focus on handmade or personalized gifts, giving the artisan you buy from (or yourself, if you’re DIY-ing your gifts) plenty of time to craft the item with love and care.

Gallup reported in 2023 that one in four shoppers start shopping as early as September, a trend likely to continue in 2024 – so you might already be embarking on your shopping spree!

If right now is just still too darn early for you to start holiday shopping, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the best times to shop since so many retailers offer their largest discounts of the entire year. Plus, the late November-early December timeline can feel a bit more appropriate for the gifting season opposed to late October-early November, when everyone’s still recovering from Halloween.

The only thing to consider during this time is the shipping timelines for the items you purchase – but most retailers will typically advise their specific shipping schedules, so you don’t risk your goodies arriving late.

Where should I shop for gifts?

You have three main options when it comes to where to shop for holiday gifts: online, in-store, and via our amazing gift guides. Of course, each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Shopping in-store offers a tangible experience: the opportunity to hold specific items in your hands and gauge exactly what they’ll be like when you give them as a gift. The pitfall with shopping in-person is that it typically requires a commute and journeys through potentially very busy malls and shopping strips, which can add to the already-stressful holiday experience.

In-store shopping can be more physically exhausting, but it’s all about preference! Sometimes strolling through the stores that get all dolled up for Christmas is the best part of the season.

Per Google, 65% of those planning to shop for the holidays say they will shop online more. Shopping for gifts online can be super helpful since you can centralize your findings in your browser’s bookmark tab or via virtual cart(s). Plus, shopping online can pose more opportunities for saving some money: lots of retailers typically offer discount codes for online users, especially if you sign up for their digital marketing channels (like email and text) and make a purchase.

Shopping online isn’t just shopping, either. The internet can be a stellar research tool to help you vet whether certain products are worth it, where they can be bought, and when they’ll be available. In fact, Google reported that more than half of U.S. holiday shoppers who went into a store last year say they looked up product reviews online and/or located an item in-store by checking it online.

Last but not least, scrolling gift guides has to be our favorite place to shop for gifts – and not just because we write and publish them.

At their very core, gift guides help streamline the holiday shopping process, alleviating the stress that bubbles up when you’re wondering what the heck to shop for in the first place. Our gift guides are backed by real people, real experiences, and real opinions from our editorial team. We only promote products that we really love and believe in, oftentimes ones we’ve tested and reviewed ourselves.

We have gift guides for just about everyone on your list, with more on the way! Check ‘em out:

• Gifts for Him
• Gifts for Her
• Gifts for Foodies
• DIY + Handmade Gifts
• White Elephant Gifts
• Gift Sets

What are the best kinds of gifts to give?

The best kinds of gifts to give are thoughtful gifts that consider the giftee’s interests, wants, and needs. These gifts can be sentimental, practical, or both simultaneously. What matters most in a gift is that it’ll be meaningful to them past just the holiday season, whether it’s helping them get through daily tasks, reminding them of a memorable trip or event, or giving them small doses of joy.

“Shoppers are increasingly looking for personalized and unique gifts that reflect the recipient's personality and interests,” says Mia Anderson, Owner of ChicSew. “With the rise of online shopping, many consumers are opting for curated gift boxes or experiences that add a special touch.”

Gift boxes, personalized items, books of interest, self-care goodies, and even gift cards can all be thoughtful gifts depending on the recipient. If you have no clue what your giftee is into, it’s not a bad idea to ask them what they want the most!

“My idea of a great gift is something that is in tandem with the recipient's interest and offers something new to the person, be it learning a new skill, enjoying a calming activity, or simply spending quality time with the family,” says Alfred Christ, Sales Manager & Marketer at Robotime. “This season, we encourage shoppers to shift their focus on quality and the memories their gifts will create and not just merely material aspects.”

When is Black Friday?

Black Friday is always the Friday after Thanksgiving. This year, Black Friday lands on November 29.

When is Cyber Monday?

Cyber Monday is typcally the Monday after Thanksgiving. This year, Cyber Monday will land on December 2. Oftentimes, retailers and brands extend their online offers through the week (coined Cyber Week) after the event. Salesforce reported that 67% of shoppers in 2024 plan on shopping during Cyber Week!