Saturday, 2 August 2025

Before you become a parent should you practice for less sleep or get as much sleep as possible now?

This is a very thoughtful question, and it's great that you're thinking ahead. The short answer is that you should get as much rest as possible now. Practicing for less sleep is not only unnecessary, but it can also be counterproductive.
Here's a breakdown of the two approaches and why getting rest is the better option:
1. Practicing for Less Sleep:
 * Why it's not a good idea: Depriving yourself of sleep now will only lead to a "sleep debt." You'll be tired and potentially less productive in your daily life, and you won't have the energy reserves you'll need later. Your body can't be "trained" to function optimally on less sleep, and you can't "store up" a lack of sleep.
 * What you should know: The sleep deprivation that comes with a new baby is not a constant state of sleeplessness; it's a series of interrupted sleep cycles. It's the unpredictable and fragmented nature of the sleep that is so challenging. Preparing for this is not about getting less sleep, but about understanding and adapting to interrupted sleep.
2. Getting as Much Rest as Possible:
 * Why this is the best approach: Prioritizing your rest now allows you to build up your physical and mental health. A well-rested body and mind are better equipped to handle stress, challenges, and the demands of a new baby. Think of it as filling your energy reserves to the brim before a long journey.
 * What you should do: Focus on establishing healthy sleep habits. Go to bed and wake up at consistent times. Create a relaxing bedtime routine. Make sure your bedroom is a calm, dark, and cool environment. This will help you maximize the quality of the sleep you do get, which will be invaluable later on.
What Others Do and What You Can Learn:
Most people, including new parents, are advised to prioritize rest before the baby arrives. Here are some strategies that others find helpful:
 * Sleep When the Baby Sleeps: This is the most common advice given to new parents. It's about letting go of the idea of a fixed sleep schedule and embracing naps whenever possible during the day.
 * Communicate and Share Responsibilities: You and your wife can create a plan to share the night-time duties. For example, one person can handle the first part of the night while the other handles the second. This allows each of you to get a few uninterrupted hours of sleep.
 * Set Realistic Expectations: It's important to accept that your routine and sleep patterns will change. Rather than fighting it, adapting to the new rhythm of life is key.
 * Focus on the Present: Enjoy the rest you have now. Use this time to recharge and focus on creating new beautiful memories with your wife, as your friend Nilanjan would advise. This will build a strong foundation for the changes ahead.

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