Feeling Triggered By Your Baby’s Cry?

If you’re a new parent, you’ve probably heard people say: “Say goodbye to sleep!” It’s almost like a badge of honor, that constant exhaustion. But what if I told you that sleep deprivation isn’t just tough—it actually changes how your brain works, especially when it comes to handling emotions?

Sleep Deprivation and Your Emotional Brain

Scientific research has shown that lack of sleep can seriously impact emotional processing. The amygdala—the part of your brain that handles emotions—gets more reactive when you’re sleep-deprived. Meanwhile, the prefrontal cortex—the area that helps keep those emotions in check—doesn’t communicate as well with the amygdala when you haven’t had enough rest.

A 2010 study by van der Helm and colleagues found that this disruption makes it harder to regulate emotions. This means that when your baby cries, your emotional response could be stronger, more intense, and more stressful than if you were well-rested.

A 2007 study by Yoo et al. supports this idea, showing that the amygdala reacts more strongly to negative emotional stimuli when people are sleep deprived. So, if you feel like your baby’s cries are overwhelming, it’s not just in your head—it’s your brain’s response to exhaustion.

What Does This Mean for You as a Parent?

First, it’s important to know that you’re not overreacting on purpose. Your brain is literally wired differently when you’re tired. My job is to help your family develop effective sleep strategies tailored to your needs, so you and your family can get the sleep they need and deserve.

The Benefits of Restful Sleep for Parents

When you’re well-rested, your brain can regulate emotions better. This helps you respond calmly and lovingly to your child’s needs—even in stressful moments. Plus, good sleep supports your overall mental and physical health, which makes the challenges of parenting easier to handle.

Sleep Deprivation Doesn’t Have to Be Your Normal

The myth that new parents must live in chronic exhaustion is just that—a myth. With the right guidance, patience, and a bit of strategy, you can reclaim restful nights without sacrificing precious time with your little one.

If you’re ready to break up with exhaustion and say yes to peaceful nights, I’m here to help. Let’s create a sleep plan that fits your family’s needs, so you can thrive and not just survive!