Discover why rest isn’t selfish, why sleep is a mother’s hidden superpower, and how giving yourself permission to rest can change your motherhood journey.

Have You Ever Felt Guilty About Sleeping?

Guilty about sleeping too much? Too little? Or simply for wanting more?

It’s a bizarre feeling, isn’t it? As if, rest is a luxury we don’t deserve. Before becoming a mom, I used to sleep so well – long, uninterrupted stretches I completely took for granted. Then, my little one arrived. And as we all know, a mother’s world shifts drastically. Suddenly, we’re learning to survive on little to no sleep. It feels like part of the job, but in truth, it’s profoundly unhealthy for our bodies.

My Rollercoaster Sleep Journey

After years of night wakings with my son, I was then averaging 6–7 hours at a stretch. For me, that was huge. It felt like a miracle. And the difference? Everything changed. I had more energy, more confidence, more ideas. I felt lighter, ready to take on the day. Most importantly, I finally felt like I was finding my way back to myself.

But it didn’t last long.
Sleep regressions, tummy aches, teething, overstimulation, random leg pains – you name it, it showed up. And every time, my sleep disappeared with it.

Even now, on nights when my toddler sleeps through, I often find myself awake, my body trained to expect interruptions. Some nights I barely sleep three hours at a stretch. I know it’s unhealthy. That’s why I keep reminding myself: this is something I need to keep working on, gently but intentionally.

And oh, the gratitude I feel on those days when I do manage to rest.

Forget the Cape: Sleep Is a Mama’s Real Superpower

We live in a world that glorifies being busy. As mothers, we’re expected to do it all – get the kids ready, feed them, manage school runs, commute, work, stay fit, run the household. And in the process, we often feel guilty for taking the one thing that actually makes all of it possible: rest.

“Do you feel guilty for breathing? Of course not. The same way, sleep is essential.”

Sleep isn’t weakness – it’s strategy. It’s the quiet superpower that allows you to be more present, more patient, and more productive. And here’s what I remind myself often: sleep is medicine for you.

“I used to think it was selfish to prioritise sleep, but then I realised the opposite was true. The people I love and the work I care about deserve me at my best, not exhausted and cranky and unfocused.”

Sleep heals your body, regulates your emotions, restores your mind. We can achieve all the things we want – complete that project, show up at work, care for our kids, move toward health and fitness – but only if our brain and body are operating at their best.

✨ “Sleep, take rest… not because it makes you more productive but because that makes you happier and healthier, less grumpy and more creative. Rest matters because you matter.” ✨

Why Sleep Matters (Short and True)

Inadequate sleep isn’t just about being tired. It impacts:

• Memory and focus
• Hormonal balance
• Immunity
• Heart health
• Emotional regulation

I am reading Emily and Amelia Nagoski’s book Burnout, and one line stopped me in my tracks: If you’ve been awake for 19 hours, slept only four hours the previous night, or fewer than six hours every night for two weeks – you are simply incapable of operating at your best.

And honestly, it hit me like a mirror. “Well, that explains my entire motherhood journey so far.” It was such a relief to see it in words, to know it’s not just me being weak, it’s biology.

Give Yourself Permission to Rest

People around me often remind me to prioritize my sleep – and they’re absolutely right. I don’t need to wait for the day my toddler will sleep through the night. I can ask for support now, without guilt.

Let’s reframe rest from a luxury to a necessity. Prioritizing sleep isn’t selfish; it’s self-love. It’s a prerequisite for being the best version of you.

“Sleep isn’t selfish, it’s your hidden superpower. And giving yourself permission to rest may be the bravest act of motherhood yet.”

So tonight, mama – pause. Put the laundry aside, close the laptop, and silence the guilt. Your body and mind are not extras. They are everything. And never forget: ✨ Your journey back to yourself begins when you give yourself permission to rest. ✨.