The majority of new mums are surviving on less than five hours of broken sleep a night according to a research report conducted for baby sleepwear company, Love To Dream - and according to paediatrician, Dr Johnny Taitz, isn't not surprising that many new mums say it's having a negative impact on their life.
“Whilst the overarching theme of the report that not enough sleep has negative consequences is no great surprise, the research reveals some thought-provoking findings about emotional and physiological effects of lack of sleep,” said Dr Taitz.
The emotional effects cited by the new mums included:
- 63% saying it made them overly emotional
- 58% were left feeling grumpy or angry
- 30% felt unable to cope, and
- 27% felt depressed.
The physical manifestations of this included:
- more than one-in-10 falling asleep whilst caring for their baby
- almost half falling asleep whilst feeding their baby, and
- more than one-third saying it impacted their own health.
“These emotional and resulting physical effects are most concerning as the majority of people underestimate just how damaging sleep deprivation can be, even partners and other family members. It can have very dangerous ramifications on both the mother and child,” concluded Dr Taitz.
According to the research results, close to 60% of new mums find the idea of a full night’s sleep more appealing than a date with their favourite celeb or a romantic evening with their partner; and more than 30% would give up an overseas holiday for eight hours of interrupted sleep.
Top 5 tips for new mum sleep
1. Lie down and close your eyes, even if you can't sleep
2. Enlist help with night time feedings
3. Be choosy with guests
4. Declare an amnesty with your partner
5. Know that it won't go on forever
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