It’s little secret that motherhood is a heck of a lot of work.
Whether you’re nursing a new baby, running around after a boisterous toddler or getting your brood though school, prioritising your own stuff – exercise, down time and, yep, even sleep – is often left by the wayside.
But here’s the thing, mums need their sleep as much as – perhaps even more than – the rest of us! Here’s why.
Energy
With houses to run, washing to do, lunches to make, projects to help with, dogs to walk, errands to tick off, and often careers to manage, most mums are juggling… er… quite a bit.
And frankly, sleep just makes this a whole lot easier, as anyone running around on just a few hours shut eye will attest to.
When you nod off, your body enters a state of relaxation, revitalisation and repair. Your blood pressure drops, your energy is restored, blood supply to your muscles increases and your body pumps out the hormones essential for tissue development and healing.
These important metabolic processes that happen during sleep mean we wake up feeling rested, reenergised and ready to take on the world.
Health
A lack sleep can have far worse effects than just making mums a bit tired and grouchy. It can seriously damage their health!
Scientists have linked a lack of sleep to everything from poor immune systems to obesity (based on the fact that sleep-deprived brains crave high-fat, high-sugar foods), hypertension and several types of cancer.
In fact, one study showed a lack of sleep will kill you quicker than a lack of food. Yikes!
Milk production
New breastfeeding mums need their Zzzs to keep their breastmilk in tip-top shape.
That’s because a good night’s sleep also keeps our hormones in check. That includes prolactin and oxytocin, the two hormones that play a critical role in the production and secretion of breast milk. Who knew?
Mental wellbeing
The science is still young, but there seems to be pretty major connection between sleep and our mental health.
Motherhood throws up new challenges almost daily. Our mental wellbeing and resilience plays a huge part in being able to overcome those challenges and be the best mums we can be for our little ones.
According to the Sleep Health Foundation, sleep in many ways is basically a built in biological resilience source, fostering and maintaining our ability to bounce back. Chronic sleep disruptions can lead to negative thought patterns, depression, anxiety and emotional vulnerability.
With physical and mental health on the line it’s time mums made more time for sleep. Because at the end of the day, an energised, healthy and happy mum generally makes for a happy, healthy family!
Looking for the perfect Mother's Day gift? Give the gift of sleep with our Mother's Day Edit.
Need a little help nodding off? Find some inspiration from our Co-Founders' sleep rituals here.
