Sleep is a basic biological necessity - even for new parents.

Did you know?? The international human rights framework recognizes sleep deprivation as a method of torture because it attacks a person's deep biological functions of mental and physical health.

One review observed that "sleep restriction of four hours per night for less than a week can result in physical harm".

Sleep deprivation studies have found a tie with a "greater overall risk of death" and a lower quality of life.

Sleep is absolutely essential and we have to stop accepting this lack of sleep for new parents as a normal part of having a baby.

The more I learn about sleep, the more amazed I am that as a society, we are not doing more to support healthy sleep hygiene for new parents and babies.

New parents are not immune to the effects of sleep deprivation. Early signs are:

• fatigue and lack of energy
• irritability
• difficulties concentrating
• slowed thinking
• worsened memory
• problems with reading and speaking clearly
• poor judgement or risky decision making
• lower body temperature
• increase in appetite

worsening effects are:

• disorientation
• visual misperceptions
• apathy
• severe lethargy
• social withdrawal and mood changes that effect personal relationships
• raising the risk of accidents from drowsy driving or other errors

Chronic sleep deficiency or insufficient sleep due to long term sleep deprivation or frequent night waking can contribute to significant risks to mental and physical health.

• Cardiovascular disease - high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke
• Diabetes and regulating blood sugar
• Obesity
• Immunodeficiency
• Hormonal abnormalities - We've also found that milk supply can decrease dramatically with chronic sleep deprivation
• Pain - people feel that pain is intensified with a lack of sleep
• Mental health disorders - Sleep problems are associated with depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder

Is it any wonder that new parents experience postpartum depression other mood disorders? How are we supposed to learn how to care for our new tiny humans when we are suffering the effects of sleep deprivation??? How are we supposed to heal from childbirth??

While it's normal for a very young infant to wake frequently to eat, new parents should not have to be chronically sleep deprived in order to care for them. 

• The American Academy of Sleep Medicine defines chronic sleep deprivation or insufficient sleep syndrome as "curtailed sleep that lasts for 3 months or longer."

Healthy newborn humans need to eat approximately every 2-3 hours, OR 8 to 12 times in a 24 hour period. Some babies will naturally go one long stretch a day of 4-6 hours. By 8 weeks of age, they may take 4-5 ounces and eat every 3-4 hours. Sometime between 8-10 weeks, your baby begins to develop a circadian rhythm and should start shifting to a more nocturnal pattern of sleep. Even though they are waking at night to eat, they should remain very sleepy and calm, and stay that way until daylight. There are lots of ways to support nocturnal sleep by focusing

Our job is to help you understand and practice healthy sleep hygiene and gentle sleep conditioning. Your baby doesn't have to 'cry it out' to sleep through the night. 

6 weeks is the accepted maternity leave in the United States. Going back to work when you are already at a deficit and your baby isn't sleeping through the night just accelerates the vicious cycle of sleep deprivation.

The repercussions are significant and serious. Sleep support for new parents needs to become a priority. It truly is an investment in your health and your child's health.

Babies needs for sleep change very quickly in the first year of life. Even though they start off waking frequently, they also need quality sleep. Studies show that babies who sleep better have a positive association with memory, language, executive function and overall cognitive development. 

Hiring a night nanny, newborn nurse, or postpartum doula can help alleviate and even prevent a host of healthcare issues for the entire family.
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https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-deprivation
https://irct.org/assets/uploads/review.pdf
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dreaming-in-the-digital-age/201412/why-sleep-deprivation-is-torture