When the Bedtime Routine is Just Not Enough

Bedtime essentials: helping your kids ease into a restful night sleep

There are two parenting mottos I’ve come to live by: Happy mom, happy baby and a well-fed, well-rested kid is a well-behaved kid. They’ve held up through nearly six years of motherhood, including those newborn nights, toddler tantrums, preschool transitions, sibling additions, and everything in between.

What I’ve learned, especially in these early years, is that parenting doesn’t have to be all give and no take. When I take care of myself, I’m a better mom. And when I feel good, everyone wins. My kids, my mind, and yes, my husband too.

But if I’m being truthful, it’s the end of the day that I struggle with the most. When it comes to bedtime and sleep, there is an element that feels completely out of my control. And when I don’t have my own time in the evening or get interrupted sleep, everything starts to unravel. 

While most of the world starts to wind down, my son seems to rev up. That infamous “second wind” hits right as I’m running on fumes. I’ve made dinner, picked up 17,000 toys, intercepted a few almost-dangerous falls, and still have a kitchen full of dishes and a blinking inbox waiting. Meanwhile, my son is bouncing off the walls and resisting sleep with the energy of someone who just had a double espresso. The irony is not lost on me.

Like most families, we’ve got our bedtime routine: bath, brush teeth, books. It’s simple, grounding, and helps signal that the day is done. But just doing the routine doesn’t always mean bedtime is easy. Some nights, it feels like we’re negotiating peace treaties until 9pm. Every time I think I’ve safely exited the room and moved on to my other nightly duties I hear, MOOOOOOOOM. 

Recently, we added Hiya’s Bedtime Essentials to our routine (right after bath, before teeth brushing), and it’s been a game-changer. It’s a sugar-free chewable packed with gentle, non-habit-forming nutrients that support the winddown and restful sleep (without melatonin).

Here’s what I love about the formulation:

• Magnesium is one of the most important minerals for the nervous system. It helps relax muscles and promotes a sense of calm. Many kids (and adults) don’t get enough from food alone.

• Calcium works alongside magnesium and also plays a role in regulating sleep patterns.

• Vitamin B6 supports the production of serotonin and GABA, two neurotransmitters that help with mood, relaxation, and sleep quality.
  

• L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, is known for promoting calm alertness without drowsiness. It helps quiet a racing mind and is just perfect for that “tired but wired” bedtime energy.
  

• GABA is a calming neurotransmitter that can help reduce overstimulation and support a more relaxed state.
  

• Chamomile extract is a gentle botanical traditionally used to promote relaxation and reduce restlessness. 

It’s not a sedative, and it’s not a shortcut. But it has helped take the edge off that chaotic evening surge…making it just a little easier to enjoy the snuggles (or just get one) before the lights go out.

And if I’m going for that happy mom, happy baby vibe, it’s pretty necessary.