Doesn't life always feel tougher when you've had too little sleep? With a baby, getting enough sleep can be challenging, unless you're one of the lucky few whose baby sleeps well from the start. Read on for tips on how to handle sleep deprivation and download the LEIA Health app for personalized information and support after your delivery.
Sleep struggles as a new parent
Even though babies are supposed to clock in about 12-16 hours of sleep a day, getting a few hours of uninterrupted rest can feel like an impossible feat for a parent.
Why? Well, babies come into this world with shorter sleep cycles, and at the beginning, they're not the best at distinguishing between night and day.
The initial days of parenthood hit you like a ton of bricks, making you acutely aware of the value of sleep and its unfortunate scarcity.
Even though those challenging nights and fatigue-filled days can sometimes feel like an endless rollercoaster ride, it's a relief to know that this phase is just that – a phase that will pass. We have gathered 3 useful tips that can help you navigate this challenging period.
1. Rest whenever your baby naps
Dealing with the stress of sleep deprivation involves a change in perspective. Instead of feeling the need to fall asleep the moment your baby does, think of it as a chance to simply unwind and relax. Snuggling up next to your little one becomes a form of recovery, and accepting that any kind of rest is a win can make these tough moments more manageable.
Giving yourself permission to rest, even if sleep doesn't immediately come, can genuinely ease the mental load and make it simpler to take care of both yourself and your baby. And if you happen to doze off, consider it a well-deserved bonus.
Resist the urge to tackle other tasks during this time. Taking advantage of moments to rest is crucial for getting through those early days as a parent and helps build up your energy for the challenges ahead.
" I thought dealing with sleep deprivation as a new parent would be tough, but I had no idea it would be this exhausting."
2. Share the night shift
Another strategy to tackle sleep struggles is, if possible, sharing the responsibility for nighttime awakenings with your partner. The secret sauce here is a clear and agreed-upon schedule. Sit down with your partner, figure out how you can take turns handling those nighttime duties, and maybe jot it down somewhere so you both know who's on duty each night. Creating a schedule where you alternate taking care of the baby allows both parents to enjoy some solid blocks of sleep.
3. Don't hesitate to ask for help
To make life a tad smoother, don't shy away from asking for help. If you're lucky enough to have family members – be it grandparents, siblings, or other kin – nearby, they can be a godsend. For those without that luxury, it's crucial to be open to other solutions and actively seek support in different ways.
No matter which approach fits your family best, remember it's absolutely normal to lean on and seek support during this whirlwind period of being a new parent.