The Importance of Sleep for Moms

Between late-night feeds and toddlers on nap strike, sleep can often feel like a luxury for new moms. But sleep plays a crucial role in helping us stay patient, energized, and emotionally balanced—all of which are vital when nurturing a child.

Fortunately, with a little strategic problem-solving and a few helpful tips from parents who’ve been there, you can achieve more (and higher quality) rest.

Why Sleep Is Essential for Moms

As a new mom, sleep is vital. But sleep is also a biological necessity for every human. That’s because it impacts multiple areas of health1:

  • Physical – During sleep, our bodies repair themselves, helping our immune systems stay strong.2 This restorative process is what enables us to keep up with busy days of childcare, as well as insure our health for the future.
  • Mental – Our brains also restore themselves while we sleep—so, when we don’t get enough, our mood, stress levels, memory, and decision-making can suffer.3

Experts also note that poor sleep can make parenting feel much heavier.4 Without proper sleep, small frustrations can feel unmanageable, and it’s simply harder to show up as the loving, even-keeled parent you want to be.

In this way, prioritising rest to the best of your ability reinforces a healthy family dynamic and protects against mom burnout.

The Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Moms

Being a new mom and sleep deprivation can often go hand-in-hand—but that doesn’t mean you should just “deal with it.” A lack of sleep can have serious negative impacts, resulting in challenges like:

  • Increased stress and anxiety –Your body tends to be more sensitive to stress when you aren’t getting enough sleep.4 This can leave moms feeling edgy or overwhelmed, making everyday routines harder to manage.
  • Difficulty concentrating and making decisions – Sleep deprivation clouds judgment and makes it harder to focus, which can impact everything from completing household tasks to keeping an eye on your little one.5
  • Physical discomfort – Without sleep, you might experience headaches, fatigue, and other physical symptoms that can strain your ability to care for your baby.6
  • Rougher relationships – When you’re irritable from lack of rest, tension can easily rise—and when patience runs thin, healthy communication can suffer.

Over time, chronic sleep deprivation can contribute to burnout, postpartum depression, and even long-term health concerns. While some sleep loss is simply part of early parenting, it’s important to treat this period as temporary—and treat your rest cycle as a priority once your baby’s wake windows start to lengthen.

Practical Tips for Prioritising Sleep with Little Ones

While no amount of planning can guarantee an uninterrupted night, there are ways to create more opportunities for rest and make the most out of the sleep you can get.

Create a Sleep Routine

Routines are essential for child development, and they can be just as effective for adults. Setting consistent bedtimes may help regulate your circadian rhythm, making it easier to fall asleep when it’s time. Also, a tranquil pre-bed ritual can cue your nervous system to start winding down.

Aligning your child’s bedtime and your own can likewise help maximize your own rest. Trying to synchronize these times can lead to better sleep for both mother and baby.

Take Naps When Possible

Even short naps can be surprisingly restorative. You might find that a 20 to 30 minute nap refreshes your energy and sharpens your focus.

Share Responsibilities

Parenting is a team effort, whether you’re joining forces with a partner, friends, or family. If you have a partner, you can alternate nights or shifts so that each of you can enjoy a block of uninterrupted sleep. If you’re solo parenting, consider asking a trusted friend or family member to step in occasionally so you can rest.

Practise Sleep Hygiene

Good sleep hygiene sets the stage for high-quality rest. This might look like:

  • Limiting your caffeine intake during the day, or cutting yourself off 6 hours before bedtime7
  • Leaving your screens out of the bedroom
  • Adding calming fixtures to your sleep area, like soft lighting or a lavender aromatherapy spray

Reserving your bed for sleep (not scrolling) is also thought to strengthen your mind’s association with rest.8

Ask for Help

It’s normal to need help as a parent, whether that means recruiting your BFF to babysit or having a parent drop by so you can nap. Reaching out for support doesn’t make you less capable; it enables you to be more present as the rested, clear-eyed version of yourself.

Remember: Prioritising your own rest and well-being is a critical piece of caring for your whole family. Having time for yourself is a form of self care for moms.

Rest Easier with Bubs Formula

Mom sleep will never be perfect with little ones running (or rolling) around, but it shouldn’t feel impossible either. By restructuring your routines, sharing the load, and treating rest as a non-negotiable cornerstone of self-care, it is possible to feel more balanced and resilient.

At Bubs, we’re happy to do our part by taking proper nourishment off your plate. Our award-winning, Clean Label-certified, whole fat formula was created to supply your little one with pure, proper nutrition—without the premium price tag.

Explore our Australian-made formulas for infants under 12 months and see the Bubs difference for yourself.



Sources:

  1. Health Direct. Sleep. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sleep
  2. The Sleep Foundation. How Sleep Affects Immunity. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/physical-health/how-sleep-affects-immunity
  3. The Sleep Foundation. Health Benefits of Sleep. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/benefits-of-sleep
  4. The Sleep Foundation. Understanding Sleep Deprivation and New Parenthood. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-deprivation/parents
  5. The Sleep Foundation. How Lack of Sleep Impacts Cognitive Performance and Focus. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-deprivation/lack-of-sleep-and-cognitive-impairment
  6. Cleveland Clinic. Sleep Deprivation. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23970-sleep-deprivation
  7. Healthline. How Long Does Caffeine Stay in Your System?https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-caffeine-last#how-long-symptoms-last
  8. The Sleep Foundation. Technology in the Bedroom. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/bedroom-environment/technology-in-the-bedroom
  9. The Sleep Foundation. Sleep Training for Babies. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/baby-sleep/sleep-training