By Laura Johnstone – The Good, The Bad, and Your Parenting Journey
Sleep. It’s something you don’t truly value until it’s taken away—and as a parent, it often is. I knew becoming a mum would be hard, but nothing really prepared me for the relentless sleep deprivation. Especially when you’re parenting a child who just doesn’t seem to need rest the way most do.
This morning, I felt completely broken. That deep, bone-aching tiredness that doesn’t just cloud your head—it takes over your whole body. Amelia has only ever slept through the night once since she was born. One night. And she’s now well past the baby stage. As you can imagine, it’s been tough.
There’s a level of exhaustion that goes beyond yawning and needing a coffee. It affects your mental health, your ability to function, to cope, to think clearly. It becomes part of you—this fog you carry while trying to show up for your child, your partner, your work, and yourself.
This morning I did something I haven’t done in a while: I asked for help. I contacted the Health Visitors team and I’m now waiting for them to get back to me. It was a moment of vulnerability, but also strength—because I know I can’t keep pouring from an empty cup. And right now, my cup feels cracked.
What makes it even harder is how energetic Amelia is. She runs around the flat like she’s powered by the sun, giggling and climbing and exploring every nook. I find myself wondering where she gets her energy from—because honestly, I think she’s stealing it from me!
The sleep deprivation doesn’t just make me tired—it also seriously affects my POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). When I’m exhausted and run down, I pass out more. The chronic fatigue becomes overwhelming, and I often feel like I’m failing Amelia because I can’t always keep up. But then I take a breath, and remind myself: I’m not failing her. I’m doing my absolute best—and that’s more than enough.
Sleep deprivation isn’t just a phase. It can become a health issue if left unchecked. It can impact your mood, relationships, your immune system, and even your safety—how many of us have forgotten where we put the keys, or left the oven on, all because we’re so tired?
And if you’re neurodivergent like me—navigating life with ADHD, dyslexia, and suspected autism—it can amplify everything. That overwhelm hits harder. The executive function needed to juggle parenting, appointments, meals, and emotions just isn’t there.
But you are not alone in this. If you’re struggling with lack of sleep—whether your child is waking through the night, climbing into bed at 3am, or resisting naps—you deserve support. You deserve rest. And you’re not failing because you’re tired.
Here’s what I’ve found helpful (even if only a little bit):
Speak up: Contact your Health Visitor or GP. There might be support or sleep clinics available. Take shifts: If you have a partner, divide the night where possible. One gets rest while the other settles. Lower expectations: The house doesn’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to be perfect. Nap when you can: I know this feels impossible. But even 20 minutes on the sofa while they watch a cartoon might help. Reach out to other parents: Community is everything. Message a friend who gets it.
So if today you’re crying in the kitchen, clutching your tea while the toast burns—know that you’re not alone. You’re doing an amazing job, even if you feel like you’re unravelling. It’s okay to ask for help. And I’m proud of you for making it through today.
Let’s keep talking about the hard stuff.
If this post resonated with you, please like, comment, and subscribe to my blog The Good, The Bad, and Your Parenting Journey. You’re part of a community that sees you—even in the middle of the night.
References & Resources:
NHS: Sleep Problems in Children The Lullaby Trust: Safer Sleep Advice National Childbirth Trust (NCT): Tips on Coping with Sleep Deprivation POTS UK: Living with Postural Tachycardia Syndrome Bliss Charity: Support for Parents of Premature Babies [Contact your local Health Visitor Team through your GP or health centre]
The bad and your parenting journey 