When Exhaustion Speaks Louder: Being a Mother and Still Showing Up

It’s not always visible at first glance. But behind that loving smile, many mothers wake up with heavy eyes, a tired body, and a mind racing in every direction—before breakfast is even on the table. And the biggest thief of that energy? Sleep—or rather, the lack of it.

This article is a much-needed pause. A moment for you to think about yourself. Your health, your exhaustion, what you’ve been feeling but maybe haven’t said out loud.

Sleeping Less, Caring More: An (Im)possible Balance?

During the first few months after birth, over 60% of mothers sleep less than six hours a night. It may seem expected, but the impact is real: the body switches to survival mode.

• It becomes harder to react calmly to challenging situations.
• Emotional responses grow stronger.
• Small tasks feel like mountains.

And all of this while caring for a completely dependent human being. It’s a lot of pressure for a body that just wants to sleep a little more.

 

The Invisible Side of Maternal Burnout

Burnout doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a silent accumulation. It starts with fatigue, followed by irritability, then apathy. Suddenly, you’re doing everything on autopilot with no energy left to care.

A real example: Ana, 34, mother of two, says she often cries without knowing exactly why. “I cook dinner, play with them, bathe them… and still feel like I’m failing.”

This kind of emotional exhaustion affects your relationship with your children, your partner, and most importantly—with yourself.

When the Body Says “Enough”

Chronic sleep deprivation and constant stress take a direct toll on the body. It's not just a feeling of tiredness, it’s a sign that the system is overloaded. Persistent pain, changes in appetite, trouble concentrating, and that constant state of alert are all physical symptoms of a body begging for rest.

More than 8 in 10 mothers report a significant increase in stress when sleep-deprived. And that stress isn’t just emotional, it has real consequences.
The risk of postpartum depression rises, anxiety becomes a daily presence, and the immune system weakens noticeably.
Over time, this wear and tear can take a serious toll on overall health.

The solution might not be instant or simple, but it always begins with recognizing the signs and asking for support. Ignoring the body doesn’t silence it—it just delays the inevit

The Many “Lives” of a Mother

Motherhood isn’t one role, it’s a collection of them:

Nurse: when you heal wounds—emotional or physical.
Chef: even when you’ve lost your appetite.
Psychologist: managing tantrums, fears, and insecurities.
Teacher: helping with schoolwork.
Chauffeur: driving them everywhere.

All while trying to keep your career, your relationship, your home—and your sanity. Being a multitasker may feel like a superpower… but even superheroes need rest.

 

Sleep as the Foundation of Well-Being

Good sleep is essential. But it’s not just about the number of hours—it’s about quality, rhythm, and consistency.

Here are some practical tips that can help:

1. Create a nighttime routine for yourself, not just for the kids.
2. Turn off your phone 30 minutes before bed.
3. Keep your room dark and at a comfortable temperature.
4. Avoid caffeine after the afternoon.

And above all—communicate. Tell those around you what you need. Rest is a right, not a luxury.

 

Balancing Personal and Professional Life: Myth or Manageable?

Maternal guilt is almost automatic. Work too much? You feel absent. Stay home more? You feel like you're letting yourself down. The truth? Balance isn’t perfect—it’s dynamic, adaptable, imperfect, and personal.

Some mothers find small routines that help them breathe amid the chaos. Pausing for 10 minutes to sit in silence, take a deep breath, or sip tea can work wonders. Others choose to delegate, even if the task isn’t done exactly the way they would do it—because the relief is worth it. And many learn, with time, to say "no" more firmly and with less guilt, protecting their space without having to justify every decision.

Every choice counts. And none have to be perfect to work.

Take Care of Yourself the Way You Care for Others

Self-care isn’t optional. It’s essential if you want to keep giving your best to your family.

Start with small steps:

• Set aside a moment just for you each day (5, 10 minutes… whatever you can).
• Create an environment that invites rest (an organized bedroom, a comfortable mattress).
• Say out loud how you’re feeling.

You have the right to feel, to fail, to rest. Motherhood shouldn’t be an endurance test—it should be a journey with room to pause.

 

This Mother’s Day, Give Yourself a Break

More than flowers or sweet messages, maybe what you need most this year is a moment of peace. A little understanding. A space where you can just be.

This Mother’s Day, celebrate the love you give every single day. But don’t forget to care for the one who gives it: you.

Resting is caring. And caring for yourself is love, too.