Becoming a parent is one of life’s most rewarding experiences, but it’s also an adjustment filled with sleepless nights and round-the-clock responsibilities. For new moms, sleep often takes a backseat, but it’s essential for both their wellbeing and the success of childrearing. Here’s why sleep is vital, how to sleep more as a new mom, and ways to create an optimal sleep environment that supports rest and recovery.

Importance of Sleep for New Moms

Sleep isn’t just about reducing fatigue — it’s foundational to physical and mental wellbeing, especially for new moms recovering from childbirth. Quality sleep supports healing and helps regulate essential hormones like oxytocin, which fosters bonding and breastfeeding. Conversely, sleep deprivation can increase stress levels and elevate the risk of postpartum depression. Research highlights that sleep-deprived parents often struggle with mood regulation and decision-making — skills critical in the early days of parenting. Furthermore, poor sleep has been linked to dysfunctional parenting behaviors, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing rest to encourage positive parental involvement.

As a mom herself, Hollywood icon Drew effortlessly balances parenthood and a busy career, all attributing it to the transformative power of sleep. She’s become an advocate for making sleep a priority, sharing how it’s helped her wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day.

The Ripple Effect of Rested Parenting

When new moms prioritize sleep, they’re better equipped to care for their families. Studies show that well-rested parents are more patient, attentive, and better able to handle the demands of raising a child. By making sleep a priority, moms can nurture their children while maintaining their own health and happiness.

How to Sleep More as a New Mom

While the idea of "sleeping more" may seem laughable during the newborn stage, small adjustments can add up to big improvements.

Nap When the Baby Sleeps

It's an age-old advice that recommend moms align their sleep schedules with their baby’s, including naps during a baby’s daytime sleep to help offset nighttime disruptions. In practice, this may be difficult to do or cause restlessness as moms try utilize the downtime for other tasks. Taking a break is an important form self-care to ensure moms can manage their health and stress, setting them up for success.

Schedule Nightshifts and Share the Load

Sharing nighttime parenting responsibilities with a partner can reduce sleep interruptions for both, allowing each to get rest on their “off nights”. Whether it’s alternating nighttime feedings or enlisting the help of a family member, sharing responsibilities can help you catch up on sleep. Beyond daily tasks, an emotional support network through friends or mom groups can help alleviate the mental load that comes with moms juggling to manage their families, jobs and homes.

Prioritizing Sleep Hygiene

Consistency is key. Though difficult with a newborn, aim to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day. A nightly routine with calming activities — like reading or a warm bath — can signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.

Consider Cooling Comforters and Bedding

New moms often experience increased sweating, including night sweats, particularly during the postpartum period. The body is undergoing major hormonal fluctuations and may leave moms waking up drenched, disrupting their already limited sleep.

Cooling bedding, such as the Evercool® cooling comforters and sheet sets, can make a significant difference. These bed linens are designed to regulate body temperature, wick away moisture, and provide a more comfortable sleep environment. With temperature-regulating bedding, new moms can stay cool, dry, and better rested — helping them recover and care for their little ones more effectively.

How to Create an Optimal Sleep Environment

Mothers often focus on creating a soothing nursery for their babies but overlook their own sleep space. A mom’s bedroom should be a haven for relaxation and conducive to sleep. It’s as simple as three attributes: dark, quiet and cool.

Darken the Room

Use blackout curtains to block light and signal your body to produce melatonin, the sleep hormone. Minimize device use before bed as the blue light emitted from electronics suppress the production of melatonin.

Control Noise

Jarring noise can cause sleep disruptions and wakings. Using a white noise machine can drown out distractions, helping you and your baby sleep more soundly. For light sleepers, consider investing in double-paned windows and keep them closed to minimize urban noise.

Set the Perfect Temperature

Experts recommend keeping your room between 60-68°F for the best sleep. Combine this with cooling blankets and bed sheets to stay comfortable all night.

Invest in High Quality Bedding

A cooler thermal environment, such as your bed and bedroom’s ambient temperature, will help facilitate the natural decrease in body temperature associated with sleep onset. Breathable and cooling materials, like the Evercool® Cooling Comforter, help regulate body temperature which improves sleep quality. Look for products with a high Q-Max cooling score (Evercool® has a Q-max value of 0.40, double that of silk) to ensure optimal cooling.

Sleep Well to Parent Well

Parenthood may feel like an endless cycle of sleepless nights, but small changes can make a big difference. By carving out time for rest, creating a sleep-friendly environment, and choosing bedding like Evercool® sheets set, moms can reclaim some much-needed shuteye.

Remember: taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential. The better you rest, the better you can care for your little one.