British parents hit by ‘babylag’ – study

Thursday 20th September 2012

As a new parent have you ever experienced that that can’t-keep-your-eyes-open feeling or that desperate- for-a-nap feeling? According to leading sleep expert Dr Dev Banerjee and world renowned baby brand Johnson’s this can be recognised as ‘’babylag’’. Babylag occurs from sleep deprivation due to disrupted sleep and as a result lack of physical awareness occurs. These effects are somewhat similar to the effects experienced from transatlantic jet lag.

This research study suggests approximately 44% of new parents are only getting half of their recommended 8 hours of sleep per night. In addition 31% of new parents claim that their sleep has been disrupted at least on 3 occasions per night. Drifting back into sleep mode after being woken several times is not as easy for adults as it is for babies. It is indicated that 43% of new British parents remain awake for at least an hour on each occurrence they have been woken up.

Not gaining a sufficient night sleep prevents parents from entering the final stages of sleep, causing their human battery to remain uncharged for the following day. Slower reaction times, lack of concentration and awareness can make babylag sufferers seem erratic due to funny antics that can arise. Many have confessed to have poured milk into washing machines, falling asleep in the shower and hanging up dry laundry on the washing line. If a parents sleep routine is not stabilised this can increase a baby’s health and safety risk.

However Johnson and many other sleep experts believe that it is important for new parents to tackle baby sleep issues to gain a good nights sleep everyone deserves. Following a 3-step baby bedtime routine consisting of bath, massage and quiet time can help your baby to sleep quicker and remain asleep for longer, which will help you get more shut eye. Babies have known to have slept better within one week as this routine has clinically proven to do so. So why not try this bedtime routine on your family’s newest addition and in return earn a more restful night sleep yourself?

Tags: parents babies sleep deficiency baby time routine babylag

Category: Sleep Research

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