Words Dr. Marita Schauch, ND, Tall Tree Integrated Health Centre
I see you, Mama. You went to bed at a reasonable hour. You got your eight hours (or close to it) and yet you wake up tired, foggy and already behind. What gives?
In honour of Mother’s Day. Let’s look at some of the reasons why … because wouldn’t finally feeling rested be the ultimate gift?
You’re Still “On Call”
Even in sleep, your nervous system may not fully switch off. You’re listening for the kids (even subconsciously) and waking at every small noise.
This leads to light, fragmented sleep cycles where your body stays in a semi-alert state with limited deep restorative sleep.
The Solution: Try to take a few minutes to “wind down” before bed. Practise some deep breathing, gentle stretching and self-massage in low light to show your body that you are safe and preparing for rest.
The Mental to Do List Never Ends
Motherhood comes with dozens of invisible “open tabs” in your mind. You lie awake mentally sorting through everything that needs to be done, and your sleep quality suffers. Even if you don’t feel stressed, your body does.
The Solution: Keep a notebook on your bedside table and do a five-minute “brain dump” before bed. Write it all down and get it all out of your head to deal with after you get your zzz’s.
Blood Sugar Swings
It’s not uncommon for moms to skip meals, eat on the go, run on coffee alone or reach for those quick carb-heavy snacks when a quiet moment presents itself.
All of this can lead to nighttime blood sugar crashes, which trigger cortisol (stress hormone) spikes, which pull you out of deep sleep.
The Solution: Prioritize your protein at every meal and snack. This will help to keep your blood sugar more stable. Consider a balanced snack an hour or so before bed like greek yogurt and berries, or apple slices and peanut butter to help keep things steady through the night.
Your Circadian Rhythm Is Off
Chronic stress, even the “normal” kind, can dysregulate your body’s natural wake/sleep pattern. This could look like feeling wired at night, but exhausted in the morning, or waking up wide awake between 2 and 4 a.m. and crashing out at 3 p.m.
The Solution: Reset your rhythm. Follow a consistent bedtime and wake-up schedule, even on weekends. Get natural light in your eyes first thing in the morning, and limit blue light (screens) for at least an hour before bedtime.
You’re Nutrient Depleted
Sleep might not even be the issue; it might be your body getting the right fuel to keep going! Motherhood is physically demanding, and we often see nutrients like magnesium, iron, B vitamins and omega 3’s getting depleted at higher rates.
Even mild deficiencies can leave you waking up tired, no matter how long you slept.
The Solution: A high-quality multivitamin is your friend. Talk to your healthcare provider about what is right for you.
Happy Mother’s Day!
