The 5 Kinds of Exhaustion Every Mom Can Relate To

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As a mother, I often find myself in a constant state of fatigue. Sure, there are fleeting moments of energy around midday, but those are few and far between. When a baby arrives, sleepless nights become the norm, leading you to ponder, “When will they finally sleep through the night?” You might think that once your little one begins to sleep longer stretches, the worst is behind you. Hooray! But then come teething, growth spurts, sleep regressions, and all the life changes that keep you from a good night’s sleep. Your child’s newfound skills might even have them waking up to build that epic block tower at 3 a.m. The cycle of exhaustion feels never-ending. So, I’ve put together a list of the various types of tiredness that we moms experience. Who knew there were different flavors of tired? Read on and see if you resonate with any of these—chances are, you might relate to all of them!

1. The Anxious Insomniac Tired: This type of tiredness hits when you’re so frazzled from keeping your kids engaged that you can’t seem to drift off to sleep—even when you finally get to lay down in your own bed, hopefully solo. Your eyelids feel heavy, and you long for sleep, but an hour later, you’re still wide awake, wondering how on earth your daughter managed to turn the living room into a mini jungle gym. It’s not your fault; it’s just that you’re tired.
2. The Newborn Bambi Tired: Picture a newborn deer trying to stand for the first time—awkward and unsteady. This is how you feel when you suddenly drop your coffee cup or trip over your own feet while trying to navigate the house. If you’ve ever found yourself stumbling or falling as if you’re learning to walk again, you’re this kind of tired. Again, not your fault. It’s just that you’re tired.
3. The Constantly Nodding Off Tired: There are days when you catch yourself dozing on the couch, only to be jolted awake by the unmistakable sounds of your kids getting into mischief. You might even find yourself drifting off while trying to explain why the pots and pans are not suitable climbing tools to reach the fruit snacks. And yes, you may even doze off while trying to sneak in a bathroom break! It’s not your fault. It’s because you’re tired.
4. The Coffee Doesn’t Cut It Tired: Coffee can be a mom’s lifeline, especially at 4 a.m. when your little ones decide it’s time to rise. It’s also your go-to in the afternoon as you await bedtime. But some days, no amount of caffeine can shake off the exhaustion. You chug cup after cup, all the while knowing that you could fall asleep in a heartbeat. It’s not your fault. It’s because you’re tired.
5. The Permanent Mom Tired: This final type of tiredness starts from the moment your baby is born and, according to my friend Lisa, never really goes away. Tiredness transforms from a temporary state to a core part of your identity. Yes, you may have bursts of energy and enthusiasm, but the tiredness always lurks, ready to pounce when you try to be productive after the kids are in bed. Let the dishes pile up; the laundry can wait. It’s okay that the house is a bit chaotic and that showering is a rare occasion. It’s simply because you’re exhausted.

For more insights on motherhood and home insemination, check out our other articles, like this one on terms and conditions. If you want to learn more about home insemination kits, visit Make a Mom, a fantastic resource on the subject. For a comprehensive overview of in vitro fertilization, Wikipedia is an excellent place to start.

In summary, motherhood comes with an array of exhaustion types, each unique but collectively overwhelming. From anxious insomnia to the permanent state of tiredness, every mom can relate to these experiences. Embrace the chaos, and remember: it’s perfectly okay to be tired.