The Reality of Sleep Deprivation for Moms

The Reality of Sleep Deprivation for Moms

A new mother’s world is turned upside down when a baby is born. In addition to the overwhelming love and joy a baby brings sleepless nights, endless crying, and pages of Googled information in search of answers. It’s no surprise that mothers lose an average of six years of sleep in the first years after childbirth. 

A recent survey conducted by the National Sleep Foundation found that nearly half of new moms suffer from insomnia a few nights a week. Sixty-seven percent (67%) of pregnant women reported more disturbed sleep during pregnancy than they had before they were expecting. After surveying 3,500 adults, the NSF found that parents with young children under age five reported the lowest levels of sleep satisfaction and quality. 

So how can parents combat sleep deprivation? 

Get Some Sleep While You Can

The first few weeks at home with a newborn are vital for establishing breastfeeding and bonding with your baby. It’s important that mommy gets some rest during this time too. If grandparents or other helpers are around, take advantage! Have them do things like cook meals, do dishes, or run errands so you can catch up on some much-needed ZZZs. If you have older kids at home, see if a friend or neighbor can take them for a playdate a couple of times a week so you can have some time to rest. Almost all newborns will sleep at least four hours at a time during the day—use this time to recharge your batteries! 

Know When to Ask for Help

There is no shame in admitting that you need help— parenting is hard! If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to lean on your partner or ask friends and family for assistance. They will more than likely be happy to lend a hand with things like laundry, grocery shopping, or even just watching the baby while you shower or nap.  If you feel like you need professional help, there are plenty of resources available. Postpartum support groups can be found online and in many communities. You may also want to consider meeting with a therapist who specializes in postpartum depression or anxiety. 

Take Care of Yourself First 

In order to be the best mom possible, it’s important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. This may sound impossible with a new baby, but it’s crucial to try! New moms should aim for at least seven hours of sleep per night (this may require napping during the day), eat healthy meals as often as possible, drink lots of water, exercise regularly (even if it’s just going on walks around the neighborhood) and consider adding a CBD regime at night for more restorative sleep during shorter intervals. Taking care of yourself will not only make you feel better but will also give you more energy to care for your little one.  

Having a baby is one of the most wonderful experiences life has to offer—but it doesn’t come without its challenges. One of which is the reality of losing countless hours of sleep. However, there are ways to combat sleep deprivation as a new parent. By taking advantage of help from family and friends, knowing when to ask for professional assistance, and prioritizing self-care, moms can get through those early sleepless months (and years) one day—and one cup of coffee (or MOXI Daily Energy)—at a time!