Over My Dad Body

Before my daughter, my idea of “sleep deprivation” consisted of staying up all night with an IPA in hand, watching horror movies, or restlessly tossing and turning because of too much caffeine. Then parenthood happened, making sleep a rare and elusive commodity.

Suddenly, life was like a never-ending all-nighter, except that instead of partying, I was up with a colicky baby. Forget about eight hours of peaceful sleep – you’ll be lucky to snatch a few hours between feedings and diaper changes.

No doubt, nursing around the clock will take a toll on your patience and energy levels. I found myself longing for those days when my dorm room alarm clock was the only cause of my sleep disruptions, thinking it was a walk in the park compared to this madness.

While knowing that every parent goes through this never-ending cycle of exhaustion helps, I learned a few tactics that allowed me to survive the chaos brought by newborn sleep deprivation. So, fear not and dive into some sanity-saving strategies proven to work when your baby allows you little to no sleep.

Conserve Your Energy

Just because things are about to get crazy, it may be best to forget about your dreams of running a marathon or becoming a fitness guru. Those can wait. Embrace the art of Netflix and chill or read a novel. Better yet, simply bond with your baby.

Save your energy for the things that truly matter, such as surviving sleepless nights and keeping your sanity intact. Expect chaos and enjoy the messiness that comes with being a father. Treat dirty dishes and toys sprawled everywhere as venerated badges of honor in the realm of sleep-deprived parents.

Keep an Inviting Sleep Environment

Make sure that your room remains pitch black, add some white noise if you must, and keep your bed feeling like a sanctuary of comfort. Trust me, falling back to sleep after that middle-of-the-night diaper change is much less torturous with the proper sleep setup.

And while it may be tempting to chug down coffee as if it is the elixir of life, try to ease up on caffeine, particularly at night. Nobody wants a jittery father on top of everything else.

Hit the Sack Early

Remember those days when midnight was bedtime? Those days are gone. With a new baby, it’s all about embracing an 8 p.m. bedtime. Yes, it may sound ridiculously early, but believe me, it will be worth it. Try to squeeze in as much sleep as possible, even if broken into chunks.

So grab your matching PJs, tuck yourself in, and get ready to power nap like a champion.

Sleep When You Can

Every parent knows that there is always something that needs to be done when your baby sleeps. But because the struggle is real, I’ll let you in a little secret: napping at this time is your magical superpower. So when your little bundle of joy finally naps, join them in slumberland.

Welcome the opportunity to recharge your batteries and give yourself the gift of rest. Trust me, the dirty dishes and the mess can wait.

Stay Hydrated and Eat Well

While it sure is tempting to order the largest pizza or indulge in a mountain of chocolate, healthier food choices can make a world of difference. Because fueling your body with junk won’t do you any favors, opt for homemade meals, soups, salads, or fruit and vegetable smoothies.

Not only will your body thank you, but it will also give you a boost of extra energy to tackle midnight diaper changes and feedings. Oh, remember to stay hydrated, my friend. Guzzle down water like it’s your job to avoid the headache-induced chaos that dehydration and parenthood bring.

Take Walks and Breathe In Some Fresh Air

When it starts feeling like you’re going crazy from being all cooped up at home, then it’s time to strap your little one for a mini-adventure. Put that stroller into use and take a leisurely walk around the park. The change of scenery and gentle exercise will reinvigorate your body and give you a much-needed boost of endorphins.

Plus, it is the perfect excuse to start a conversation with another adult who might be able to shed some tips about raising a baby. Trust me, these walks can be a sanity-saving activity, your little moment of escape, and a chance to make lasting memories with your baby.

When you find yourself on the brink of a meltdown due to lack of sleep, always choose laughter over tears. Instead of letting the sleep monster get the better of you, try to find humor in the chaos. Laugh at the craziness of rocking your baby for 45 minutes, only for them to wake up the moment you put them down.

And when you need a good laugh, turn to movies, TV shows, and standup skits that remind you of the joys of life. It might take some time, but with the right mindset, you can survive this newborn-induced madness and rise above the diaper explosions and countless sleepless nights.