Sleepless Moms

It’s official. Motherhood makes you tired. A new nationwide survey found that 52 percent of moms in the U. S. feel more sleep would make them better parents and 65 percent feel they would be happier. The survey was released today to coincide with the launch of a “Sleepless Moms” campaign, headed by actress and insomnia sufferer Debi Mazar and sleep specialist Suzanne Griffin, M.D., of Georgetown University Hospital.

According to the survey of more than 500 moms, 54 percent say they don’t get enough sleep. Full-time working moms lead the pack at 59 percent. Among stay-at-homes, 48 percent don’t sleep enough. Half of all moms get six or fewer hours of sleep per night. The survey found that “moms are often kept up thinking about the next day’s ‘to-dos’ (36 percent), stressing about the family’s finances (25 percent), or worrying about family issues (24 percent).” This begs the question of whether dads suffer from the same stress and sleeplessness, and if not, why not. I also wonder how this plays out among same-sex couples. Is there often a primary caregiver who bears most of the stress, or does it split more evenly?

If you do suffer from sleep problems, Debi Mazar and Dr. Griffin recommend:

• Stick to a sleep schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, including weekends.
• Lifestyle change: Adjust your lifestyle to avoid alcohol and foods and drinks high in caffeine late in the afternoon and before bedtime.
• Establish a relaxing bedtime routine: Develop a routine that will help you wind down from your day BEFORE you get into bed (e.g., take a warm bath).
• Environment is key: Create a sleep environment that is cool, quiet, dark and comfortable.
• Prioritize your day: Avoid bringing work and responsibilities to bed — associate your bed with sleep and sex only.

Seems like sensible advice—but is it easier said than done? To take this to the next level, I think we’d be well advised to read sites like Lifehacker, full of tips on productivity, stress reduction, and other useful topics. Today, in fact, Lifehacker shows us how to mix custom relaxation tracks online.

Dr. Griffin also advises: “There are sleep-aid options available that can help these sleepless parents without [addictive or alertness dampening] side effects,” continued Dr. Griffin. “Parents who suffer from sleep problems should talk to their doctor about a treatment option that is right for them.” For some, this may be good advice—but I’m a little suspicious because the Sleepless Moms campaign is sponsored by a pharmaceutical company. This doesn’t negate all of its recommendations, but suggests caution (and the talk with your own physician) before taking any drug-related plan of action.

I’ll admit I’m a perpetual night owl (as the time stamps on some of my posts will attest), but I’ve been that way since long before I became a mom. Do you get enough sleep? How do you cope (or not)?

(Thanks to Abigail for pointing out the press release.)