Sleep Deprivation & Finding Rest (Even When You’re Not Sleeping)
Let’s be honest — the newborn sleep situation is wild.
You knew you’d be tired… but this? This level of tired feels like a new dimension.
Your days blur into nights, your coffee gets reheated six times, and sometimes you’re not even sure what day it is. (Hint: it’s okay if you’ve lost count.)
If you’re in the thick of it — you’re doing an amazing job. 🌙
🌸 This Is Temporary
It won’t always be like this.
One day, your baby will sleep for longer stretches, and you’ll wake up and realise — oh, I actually feel human again.
But right now, when sleep is in short supply, your goal isn’t perfection.
It’s survival, comfort, and tiny moments of rest that keep you going.
🌿 Rest Looks Different in This Season
Rest isn’t always a full eight hours (if only!).
Sometimes, it’s about giving your body and mind pockets of pause wherever you can find them.
Here’s what rest might look like right now:
Lying down for ten minutes while your baby naps — even if you don’t sleep
Closing your eyes and focusing on your breathing
Letting the washing wait and doing nothing for a moment
Handing baby to your partner or a friend so you can shower in peace
Watching something light while feeding at 2am — and counting that as downtime
Little rests count. They add up. 💛
🕊️ Ask for Help (And Mean It)
This one’s hard, but it matters.
You do not have to do everything yourself.
Let people cook for you, fold a load of laundry, or take the baby so you can nap.
If someone says, “Let me know if you need anything,” say yes.
Asking for help isn’t weakness — it’s wisdom.
🌼 Create Calm Around the Chaos
You might not be able to control sleep, but you can shape your environment to feel more soothing.
Try:
Keeping lighting soft and warm
Playing gentle music or white noise
Having your favourite candle or scent nearby
Creating a small “rest corner” — a cozy spot just for you
Sometimes, calm energy is the next best thing to actual sleep. 🌙
🌙 Be Kind to Your Tired Self
When you’re exhausted, everything feels harder — emotions, patience, even small decisions.
If you cry at random things (commercials, spilled milk, your partner breathing too loud), that’s not you failing — that’s sleep deprivation.
You’re doing so well, even if it doesn’t feel like it.
💕 A Gentle Reminder
This is one of the hardest parts — but it’s also fleeting.
Right now, your baby needs you in the night because you are their comfort, their safety, their whole world.
And one day, you’ll realise they’re sleeping soundly — and you’ll miss those quiet midnight cuddles just a little.
So when you can, rest.
When you can’t, breathe.
And remind yourself — this season won’t last forever.
You will sleep again. 🌿💛