What is something more valuable than gold yet can’t be held or locked in a vault? If you answered “sleep” then you are correct! Sleep is one of the things in our lives that is so crucial to our day to day function and overall success yet it can’t be bought, sold, or traded and if you have too little of it, then it can throw the rest of your life into disarray. This week we are talking about the dangers, signs, and risks of sleep deprivation in your life and how you can mitigate those as well in order to help you get a good night’s sleep for you and your baby.
Signs And Risks Of Sleep Deprivation You Should Be Aware Of
We all joke about new parents being zombie-like and tired all the time, but in reality sleep deprivation, especially chronic sleep deprivation is no laughing matter. Here are some of the risks and effects of sleep deprivation that you should know:
- Fatigue
- Falling asleep at the wheel, or severe drowsiness while driving
- Micro naps
- Irritability
- Feelings of suicide
- Feelings of not wanting to be a parent to your child(ren)
- Fuzzy thinking and slower reaction times
- Frequent headaches
- Higher blood pressure
- Weight gain and cravings for salty, fatty foods
- Greater risk of depression and higher general anxiety levels
How Much Does It Matter To You?
We’re talking about sleep deprivation, but specifically sleep deprivation that comes with bringing a newborn baby home from the hospital. What would you do for a good night’s sleep? Would you sell your car, if it meant you could sleep better, even for just a few nights? Well, we’re glad to say that it won’t have to come to that! However, one thing that you can do to help you and your partner get some much-deserved and much-needed sleep is to hire an overnight newborn care specialist that can help you develop the skills that will help you establish healthy sleep routines for both you and your baby.
Here’s a quick personal anecdote regarding a sleep deprived client that was in need of some serious rest: Last fall, a client jokingly told me that she may just give me her new $100K range rover if I got the baby to sleep through the night during the weekend we had planned. Three nights later, I did in fact have that little guy sleeping all night long. She was so grateful! I didn’t end up with the car, but I did get something even more valuable: a satisfied client who was able to get some much needed rest who will be able to take the skills she learned and apply them so that she and baby could have a happy and healthy sleep schedule together.
Parting Thoughts
Getting the perfect sleeping routine for your child can be difficult, but it’s not impossible! We hope these tips have helped you along your journey. If you have any questions about helping your baby to sleep better, developing a conducive routine for your baby that works with your life, or about your baby in general, please reach out to us HERE. We are experts in all things baby and sleep and would love to help!
If you have questions about your child, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would love to help. Please reach out to us here! We always look forward to hearing from you.
