After the birth of your child, you may have had the strength to hold on for the first two to three months, but now you may feel like you're running on empty, and you are not alone!
1. After giving birth, most mothers reach the peak of sleep deprivation around their baby’s third month
Research shows that during this time, on average, parents lose one to two hours of sleep a night compared to before the baby was born [1, 2]. Sleep satisfaction is also at its lowest point [1].
2. Sleep deprivation will not be a short experience
You may be asking yourself when all of this will pass. Unfortunately, not anytime soon. Objective data shows that parents only return to regular sleep duration when their child reaches 4-6 years of age [1].
3. Sleep-deprived parents can do weird things
Dipping French fries into your drink instead of ketchup? Grabbing the diaper cream instead of the toothpaste? Pouring milk where you shouldn’t? They may sound amusing, but these things happen [2]!
4. A short nap during the day can compensate for a sleepless night
If your child falls asleep, don't rush to finish household chores. Instead, take a nap yourself; everything else can wait. Even a short, 10 or 15-minute nap during the day can significantly reduce the stress derived from sleep deprivation [3].
