8 Ways Your Sleep Is Affected After Having Kids

When I announced my pregnancy to my cousin, a single mom, her congratulatory words quickly turned into a warning: “Sleep as much as you can now. Once that baby arrives, sleep will be a distant memory!” At first, I thought she was exaggerating, just trying to tease me a bit. But boy, was I wrong! I soon found myself in a whirlwind of sleepless nights that transformed me into a dazed, zombie-like version of myself. If you’re a new parent or about to be one, brace yourself for these eight stages of sleep disruption:

Stage 1: The Non-Stop Crying Machine

If no one has told you that newborns only seem to sleep during the day (while you’re wide awake at night), then welcome to the club! The three days leading up to my son’s birth were filled with contractions that only occurred at night, leaving me utterly drained. When I finally went to the hospital for my induction, I told the nurse, “I just want to sleep!” She chuckled and reminded me I was about to have a baby.

Stage 2: The Toddler Takeover

Don’t be fooled by the idea of a “toddler bed.” While your little one may sleep through the night, your sleep is a different story. Expect frequent interruptions when your 25-pound bundle of joy decides to invade your bed around 2 a.m., bringing along a mountain of stuffed animals. Just as you get comfortable, they’ll be snuggled up with their feet planted right in your face.

Stage 3: The Insomniac Parent

Even when your child starts sleeping soundly, your body might still be in panic mode from those sleepless nights. You might find yourself lying awake long after they’ve drifted off, plagued by thoughts or waking up for no apparent reason. This could make you reconsider that vow to never try sleep aids.

Stage 4: The Hyper-Aware Sleeper

Once you become a parent, your body goes into high alert. Any sound—even a pin dropping or a child’s soft whisper—will jolt you awake. To get some semblance of rest, I now rely on earplugs, an eye mask, and occasionally a bit of Benadryl to help me relax.

Stage 5: The Empty House Syndrome

The first sleepover at a friend’s house for our then-6-year-old was supposed to be a night of freedom for us. We thought, “Finally, we can relax!” Instead, we found ourselves feeling empty and discussing how much we missed our child. To top it off, we still woke up early the next day!

Stage 6: The Illness Interruption

Your kids might be sleeping soundly, but when they catch the latest bug, your anxiety kicks in. Even if they’re snoozing, you’ll be wide awake, keeping an ear out for that cough or any sign of trouble. It can feel like a never-ending night of Netflix binging to distract yourself.

Stage 7: The Night Sweats

You might fall asleep without a hitch, only to wake up in the middle of the night, drenched in sweat and feeling like you need to shed your pajamas. The struggle is real, and you may find yourself sleeping on a towel just to cope!

Stage 8: The Empty Nest Blues

I can’t personally relate to this one yet, but many moms have shared their experiences when their kids leave for college. You’d think you could finally enjoy peace and quiet, but instead, you lie awake wondering how they’re doing, if they’re safe, and if they’re getting enough sleep themselves.

But don’t worry, you can always catch up on sleep when you’re dead, right?

If you’re looking for more tips on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource from the CDC. And for anyone considering self-insemination, the Cryobaby Home Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit Combo is a great option to explore.

In summary, parenting is a beautiful journey, but it comes with its fair share of sleepless nights. From newborn cries to toddler takeovers, each stage presents unique challenges to your rest. Embrace the chaos, and remember, you’re not alone in this!