Sleep, exhaustion and mental health

No opportunity to sleep, or unable to fall asleep?

Waking because the baby needs care is different from being unable to sleep even when the baby is asleep and you have a safe opportunity to rest.

Persistent insomnia together with low mood, intense anxiety, irritability or loss of interest can be part of postnatal depression or an anxiety condition.

Practical support

Suddenly feeling almost no need for sleep, especially with unusually high energy, confusion or unusual beliefs, needs urgent assessment for postpartum psychosis.

• Arrange a regular time when someone else can help so you can rest without interruption.
• Ask a loved one to take on a household task, a meal or some night-time care.
• Tell a doctor if you cannot sleep despite being very tired.
• Seek help if exhaustion makes caregiving unsafe.

If you need urgent help