You get more coughs and colds

You’re not imagining it: you really are more prone to sniffles when you’re tired. “It’s well known that the gut microbiome and immune system are very closely linked,” says Dr Gill. “In fact, your gut plays a major role in shaping how your immune system behaves. This is because it houses nearly 40 trillion microbes and 70-80% of your immune cells.” Yet another good reason to start quaffing those probiotics.

Can we recover from sleep deprivation?  

You’ll be relieved to hear that the majority of side effects of sleep fragmentation are relatively short-lived.  “Our brains are wonderfully adaptable, and recovery is possible,” says Darwall-Smith. “Sleep debt can be repaid, but it’s not always a quick fix; it’s likely to take months for our brains to recover, rather than days. But improving sleep, alongside things like physical activity and social connection, can help restore balance, over time.” 

Physical effects can take a little longer, with studies suggesting it can take up to four days to recover from just one hour of lost sleep, regardless or not of whether you have a child, suggesting the length of sleep fragmentation or deprivation you experience will impact how quickly your body will return to full-health. Prioritising other types of rest and relaxation, as well as trying to improve the quality if not the quantity of sleep, can all tangibly improve your wellbeing within weeks.

 How to look after your body and brain while your baby still won’t sleep

In the absence of a magic wand to encourage babies, toddlers and children to sleep, the experts recommend the following tips for dealing with broken sleep, whether it’s one day, one month or a year.  

Try and bank a stretch of four to five hours of unbroken sleep per night, if possible. This might mean expressing some milk for your partner to do a feed, using formula if needed or going to bed as soon as your baby goes down and taking shifts. Even just handing over the burping and re-settling to someone else can help you get more sleep. 

Aim to rest as much as you can during the day. Although we all laugh in the face of the saying “sleep when when your baby sleeps”, there is truth in this horrible cliché – trying to get your head down as often as possible will help. If an actual nap isn’t feasible, attempting non-sleep deep rest, such as breathwork and meditation, can be beneficial.

Build a consistent sleep schedule as much as you can; try to get up at the same time each day, even if you’ve had an awful night, as this allows your sleep hormones to regulate themselves faster.  

Take some gentle exercise, like a stroll with the buggy each day, preferably outside.

Get morning sunlight to stabilise your sleep system and help regulate hormones.  

 Last but certainly not least, remember to go easy on yourself. You’re doing an amazing, incredible thing in raising a small human, and whether it’s next week or in a few years’ time, you will sleep again. The process won’t be linear (speaking as the parent of teenagers who need collecting at the times they used to wake me to feed them), but it won’t last forever.  

 “If you’re dealing with multiple wakings because of children, health issues or stress, it’s important to be kind to yourself,” agrees Darwall-Smith. “Not every night will be perfect. Focus on what is in your control – good routines, rest during the day if needed, lowering stimulation before bed – and remember that your body is designed to recover as soon as it has the chance. “

If you’re struggling with sleep deprivation and are worried about yours or a loved one’s physical or mental health, please do seek help from your GP or other health professional. There are also resources available at the Maternal Mental Health Alliance, or Mind.

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