When I ask mothers what they do for their playtime, they often say ‘I sleep’. This tells me mothers know sleep is key to their wellbeing. Let's talk about sleep deprivation and it's affect on families.
Sleep deprivation can be short or long term and leads to an inability to cope. For adults, sleep deprivation dramatically influences our ability to parent. Some common affects I have seen, include: a decrease in self confidence, decreased tolerance, confusion, irrational behaviour, and weeping. This list is by no means comprehensive, there are many more affects, some of which are not easily dealt with. If you feel you are suffering from these symptoms, please seek help from your doctor, child health nurse and/or family.
We can identify how the lack of sleep affects us as adults; consider what it does to our little ones. I come into contact with so many bubs showing signs of sleep deprivation. It is obvious to me they are ill equipped to handle the situation. Tired signs include: stressed and tense, startle reflex when going to sleep, crying as though in pain, too tired to feed well, sleeping short sleeps only, never easy to settle, very anxious especially when older, and cannot cope with separation. Watch for tired signs, and when shown, put your bub to bed.
Why is sleep important? Adults and babies alike need to recharge during sleep. Parents need sleep for sound mind, babies need sleep for normal growth and wellbeing.
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