These 4 things won't let you fall asleep post pregnancy

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The road to momminess is simply adorable. The first glance at the baby, the first skin to skin contact, the first breastfeeding session…! So many firsts! And of course, the first sleepless night! Being a mother is not the easiest thing, especially when you have to care for a newborn. It takes truckloads of efforts to try and do everything well. Of the many hurdles that the mother has to cross to take care of her baby, one is sleep deprivation. In spite of being heavily tired, why isn’t it that the mother can’t sleep? Below, we list a few points to help you understand that.

1. Postnatal insomnia: It is a condition of extreme tiredness where the mother cannot fall asleep even after the baby is asleep. This could be due to the mother being worried about the newborn’s feeding sessions, and the worry prevents her from relaxing. This leads to lack of sleep and affects the overall health of the mother (1). Postnatal Insomnia sets in the right after childbirth and stay for months. It is suggested to take help of a professional if the problem persists for long causes a lot trouble.

2. Excessive caffeine: Sleep cycle is the first thing that gets affected after having a baby as the baby has unfixed wakeful hours. Caffeine intake poses a real problem to an already troubled sleep pattern. Mothers should refrain from eating or drinking anything that can induce wakefulness.

3. Screen time: We need to give up some habits when a baby comes into the family. This means we need to give up our screen addiction. Those who stay glued to the TV, mobile, iPad, etc., face problems with sleeping after pregnancy. Mothers need enough sleep and rest. Long exposure to screens reduces sleep time and lowers sleep quality (2).

4. Getting used to: Responsibilities double when mothers have to take care of an older child as well. If there is an elder sibling at home, the mother has to look after both the kids. Initially this may be difficult and would drain a mother out quickly, but later, mothers get used to it. Until the used to phase hasn’t approached, mothers get too tired to sleep.

The adrenaline, excitement, worry that comes with motherhood, etc., demand alterations in the lifestyle of parents. Lack of proper execution of responsibilities brings disruption in appetite, sleep quality, social life, and more. The most commonly affected aspect is the sleep quality of the mother. Many measures can be taken to improve the situation of mothers already suffering from the situation. However, it is advised to not shy away from taking medical help when needed. Well being of the mother directly affects well being of the baby as well.

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