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It is 4.44am and I wake to hear my toddler, Jet, singing. He sings away until an hour later, his preschooler sister, Wirra, awakes and they pad down the corridor and climb into our bed.

Fifteen minutes later we’re up serving breakfast because it’s not relaxing being kicked and climbed upon. And neither my husband nor I appreciate sibling screams as they both vie for the best spot in the bed.

By 7am, the Weetbix and juice have been cleaned from the table and floor, and Wirra is dancing to The Fairies while Jet rides his tricycle into the cupboards. The sun isn’t up, but my kids definitely are.

When my husband took the kids away for a weekend recently, I managed to sleep in until 7am – just. When I told my child-free friend, she laughed and said, ‘I’m glad you’re pleased. But 7am isn’t really a sleep in’. But in my world it is.

I fantasize about my eldest turning six because someone told me six is when kids can fetch their own breakfast. Bliss!

And the parent of a 13 year old told me that on weekends he regularly sleeps in until 10am! Apparently, the ability to beyond dawn returns as soon as your kids learn the concept too.

I do remind myself that my young kids are only young for a nanosecond. One day they will be 6, then 13, then 27 and sleep deprivation won’t be a concern. But right now, it is.

I’m pretty sure there are other parents out there who also long for a decent night’s sleep. So why are there only sleep solution books aimed at kids? I want one for me.

I would happily adhere to a strict routine if it guaranteed eight hours of uninterrupted sleep a night. I’d be willing to eat at a certain hour, go to bed at a certain time, dress in certain pyjamas, even give up my reading ritual, if sleep were a certainty.

But no one has written that book. So I thought I’d give it a go. Here is my chapter outline for ‘Sleep Glorious Sleep: Sleep solutions for exhausted parents’.

1. A routine ritual

We create bedtime rituals for our children to signal sleep - bath, into pyjamas, stories, cuddles, lights out. The nightly repetition forecasts bedtime so body and mind subconsciously prepare for sleep even before hitting the pillow.

So why don’t we do the same for ourselves? A toilet stop and brushing your teeth is no substitute. My perfect routine would be a few gentle yoga stretches, some breathing exercises to clear the head and relax the body, and repetition of an affirmation or two. But do I do it? No.

2. Sleep aids

We took the dummy, wrap, patting, and rocking away from our babies so they could learn to put themselves to sleep. So is it hypocritical to use alcohol or other medications to sleep soundly? Probably. And probably not healthy either. But what about a relaxing spa sounds CD? Why not? Unless, of course, you prefer rainforest sounds.

3. Water wind-down

After a particularly stressful day or week, your sleep ritual may need a boost. One recommendation from my naturopath is to add a cup of Epsom salts and a few drops of lavender essential oil to a hot bath. It is wonderfully relaxing anytime of the day, but particularly potent just before bed. My naturopath prescribed this as a twice weekly treatment. I’m lucky to have one once a month. But that is going to change.

4. Healthy day, healthy night

Keeping physically fit and eating healthy food must be good for the daytime and night-time you. I like to do an increase-your-heart-rate type exercise like jogging or walking, and a connect-your-mind-&-body type exercise like yoga or Pilates. And eating more fresh fruit and vegetables and less breads and starches is supposedly good too. Although pasta is difficult to give up.

5. Clock watching

You’re never going to get enough sleep if you put yourself to bed too late. It is simple maths. Asleep at midnight + awake at 6am = not enough sleep. But as intelligent as my husband is, he regularly sits in front of the box watching whatever. Then the next day he complains he’s tired. ‘Go to bed!’ I yell.

6. Last resort

If all else fails, you could always hire a night nanny. That’s what celebrities do, and they don’t look sleep deprived.

I would love to get more sleep. But, then again, I am constantly amazed at what all parents achieve on very little shut eye.

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