National Safe Motherhood Day 2023: Benefits Of Sleep For New Mothers

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National Safe Motherhood Day is celebrated every year in India on 11 April to raise awareness about the care and treatment required for new or soon-to-be mothers. National Safe Motherhood Day is also an opportunity to demand better healthcare facilities from the government for pregnant women.

The theme for National Safe Motherhood Day 2023 is "Remain at home amid Coronavirus, protect mother and infant from Coronavirus". A new topic is chosen by White Ribbon Alliance India each year in order to spread awareness and coordinate large-scale campaigns across India.

Why is it important for new mothers to get enough sleep?

The arrival of the little bundle of joy comes with the share of extra responsibilities which affect both the physical and mental health of a new mother. Frequent feeds, especially at night, causes disturbed sleep patterns and long-term sleep deprivation. Sleep is essential for the body and mind to rest, recharge and recover.

Your body progresses through three stages of non-REM sleep before entering a deep sleep. The first stage is around 10 minutes and each stage gets progressively longer before entering REM sleep. Deep REM sleep, which happens about 90 minutes after sleeping is essential. This sleep cycle repeats itself about three to five four times every night, a full cycle takes two hours to complete. New mothers usually wake up three to five times every night. Most mothers get four to five hours of sleep during the night which is half the recommended duration.

The complications due to sleep deprivation are cognitive decline, weight gain, obesity, mood swings, problems with focus and memory, low sex drive, and most important to fall increased risk of postpartum blues and depression, which can eventually lead to depression later on in life. Babies as young as one month can sense emotional changes in the mother.

Meditation, yoga or other exercises promotes a balanced mood by reducing stress and also help in maintaining a healthy weight. Seek help from your partner, family and friends this not only reduces the burden on the new mother, but also improves the personal relationship. Avoid screen time one hour before you fall asleep and while you are up with the baby at night. Avoid caffeine in the evenings. By investing in quality sleep you're investing in the safety of your precious baby.

(The article has been contributed by Dr Deepthi Ashwin, Consultant - Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bengaluru)