Long nights and restless sleep are often part of new parenthood, but for some, the struggle is far more serious than commonly acknowledged. Doctoral researcher Gunhild Nordbø Marthinsen at the University of Agder has investigated how sleep—or the lack of it—affects parents, particularly those with premature children.
“Sleep is not only important for children—it’s crucial for parents as well,” says Marthinsen.
Sleep: An Overlooked Health Factor
Marthinsen’s experience working with sick children and their families revealed a striking oversight in healthcare: parents’ sleep needs are often ignored.
“The parents are not our patients, but that doesn’t mean their sleep isn’t important,” she notes.
Extensive research links sleep deprivation to a range of physical and mental health issues, including stress, exhaustion, depression, and reduced quality of life. The postnatal period is especially vulnerable, with new mothers at higher risk.
Premature Babies, Heightened Risk
The study compared sleep patterns between parents of premature infants and those of full-term babies. Findings show that parents of premature babies experience poorer sleep quality and higher rates of insomnia, with some cases lasting up to a year after birth.
Insomnia manifests in different ways: difficulty falling asleep, frequent nighttime awakenings, or consistently poor sleep quality. The unifying factor is prolonged insufficient rest.
“Many of the parents we tried to recruit were in crisis, caring for a child in the neonatal intensive care unit, sometimes with serious health concerns. Sleep was understandably low on their list of priorities,” Marthinsen explains.
Even parents of full-term babies reported significant sleep struggles, highlighting that sleep deprivation is widespread among new parents.
Beyond Ordinary Sleep Loss
It’s common to experience interrupted sleep with a newborn, but when does it become a clinical concern?
“Insomnia is more than just a lack of sleep. It’s about struggling to function during the day, and the problem lasting at least three months. Many new parents suffer from this without realizing it,” says Marthinsen.
Her research found that more than half of mothers in both groups experienced insomnia two months postpartum. Fathers were slightly less affected, but over 40% reported persistent sleep issues.
Barriers in Healthcare
Marthinsen highlights a gap in postnatal care: healthcare professionals often lack the tools and language to address sleep effectively.
“We routinely screen for pain and depression, but sleep is rarely addressed in detail. Many parents simply say, ‘I sleep poorly sometimes,’ which doesn’t provide enough information,” she says.
She advocates for integrating sleep guidance into prenatal and postnatal care, emphasizing healthy sleep habits and early intervention.
“Sleep is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. All new parents, especially those with premature babies, can benefit from support and guidance,” Marthinsen concludes.
