Every new parent expects to lose some sleep, but according to a new survey a staggering 7 in 10 parents are losing an average of three hours’ sleep every night in their baby’s first year – the equivalent of losing a phenomenal 133 night’s worth of sleep before their baby turns 1!
With the majority of new parents technically losing more than a third of their night’s sleep - every night! - the realities of parental sleep deprivation cannot be ignored.
As it's World Sleep Day (Friday 19 March), it's the perfect occasion to take a moment to acknowledge this truly sleep deprived group and hail the true sleep thieves (super cute newborns), and offer parents the support and appreciation they most definitely deserve.
The recent survey, commissioned by Snüz, questioned more than 1300 parents, who shared their personal experiences. Nearly half of them (44 per cent) felt massively unsupported when it came to their baby’s sleep.
In a separate poll, Snüz chatted to its army of 82k+ parents across Instagram to find out how they truly feel about the first year of sleep.
When questioned about their baby not sleeping, 88 per cent admitted to this being a cause of stress, while 77 per cent talked about the anxiety they feel even before bedtime starts as they anticipate a sleepless night.
Alongside these emotions, 65 per cent of those questioned said they often felt lonely when up late with their newborn.
With stress, anxiety, loneliness and exhaustion on the cards, it’s clear to see how the first year of parenting can take its toll.
With ever-growing awareness of the importance of parental mental health, it's so important to open up the discussion and provide an outlet for parents to connect with.
Sleep support month
Visit the Snüz website for weekly shoutouts, giveaways, and a wealth of sleep content to keep you informed on everything from safe sleep practices and understanding your little one’s bedtime needs.
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