97% of new mums have sleep problems, says study

By Dr. Ananya Mandal, MDApr 27 2010

A new sleep research has found what we have suspected for a long time – one fourth of the new mums are sleep deprived. And 97% mothers of less than two year olds have sleep problems.

This deprivation can lead to a host of health problems and also put a strain on their relationships. The Pampers Nappies Sleep Report, which was conducted in conjunction with Tresillian Family Care Centers, conducted this study where they found that one in three mothers were unable to cope with the stress of sleepless nights and it was affecting their relationships.

70% mothers admitted that lack of sleep made them irritable and made it difficult for them to cope with life and also be a good and a more attentive mother to their kids. Almost 40% toddlers over 18 months woke at least once a night. One in six woke at least thrice or more per night says the study.

Family health experts lay down healthy sleep rules for babies. Some baby sleep no-no’s include letting the baby feed to sleep or allowing their baby to sleep in the parents’ bed with them say experts. Tresillian spokeswoman Professor Catherine Fowler says that such habits harm both the baby and the mother’s sleep.

She also said that wet and soiled nappy is a common cause of nighttime time awakenings for the baby. “It seems night time is the most common time for nappy leakages, with the cause often being too much liquid consumed before bedtime,” she said. A change of nappy before bed can be a solution she said. “One of the things that a parent can do to ensure their baby gets a decent amount of sleep is to check their environment is conducive for sleep - that includes ensuring you change their dirty nappy before they go to bed to avoid them waking with a leaking nappy,” she said. Hunger according to her is another common reason for interrupted sleep in babies.

Professor Fowler also suggested new mothers to help their baby develop a sleep routine but inability to do so should be an indication for seeking professional help. “Getting your baby into a daily routine is the first step to solving this but it takes a lot of discipline, which often goes out the window when you have a crying baby who won't sleep… It is important for mums to realize that there is help out there and they don't need to suffer in silence,” she said.