As a mother, the feeling of exhaustion is a constant companion. Sure, there might be fleeting moments of energy around midday, but those are rare. The arrival of a newborn often means sleepless nights, leaving you to wonder when those uninterrupted slumbers will finally arrive. You might think that once your little one starts sleeping in longer stretches, you’re in the clear—celebration time! But then reality hits with teething, growth spurts, sleep regressions, and the inevitable developmental milestones that wake them up at odd hours. It’s an ongoing cycle. To help you navigate this fatigue, I’ve put together a list of the various types of tiredness that parents experience. Didn’t know there were different kinds? Take a look at this list, and see if any resonate with you—or perhaps all of them, like me.
- The Anxious Insomniac Tired: This is the state where you’re so stressed from keeping your kids entertained and out of trouble that sleep eludes you. You might find yourself lying in bed, feeling heavy-eyed, yawning, and just as you think about drifting off, you’re suddenly wide awake, pondering how your daughter managed to climb onto the kitchen counter. It’s not a personal failing; it’s simply your exhaustion.
- The Newborn Calf Tired: If you’ve ever watched newborn animals struggle to walk, you’ll understand this type of tired. You know you’re here when you drop your favorite coffee mug without a clue as to how it happened, lose your balance while rising from the couch, or completely misjudge the sidewalk and tumble onto the ground. Clearly, it’s not your fault. It’s just your fatigue.
- The Constantly Nodding Off Tired: You might recognize this when you find yourself dozing off on the couch, only to snap awake at the sound of your kids getting into trouble. You may even drift off while attempting to explain to them that pots and pans are not ladders for reaching the fruit snacks. And yes, even while sitting on the toilet trying to have a moment of peace. It’s not a lack of effort; it’s just that you’re tired.
- The Coffee-Immune Tired: Coffee is often the go-to lifeline for moms, providing that much-needed jolt at the crack of dawn when your kids are ready to rise. You might find yourself pouring cup after cup, only to realize that no amount of caffeine can truly shake off your fatigue. You could easily fall asleep at any moment, and it’s not your fault; it’s the tiredness that’s taken hold.
- The Eternal Mom Tired: This final type of fatigue sets in the moment your baby arrives and, according to my friend Jessica, it never truly leaves. It becomes an intrinsic part of you. Sure, there are flashes of energy when you feel alive, but the underlying tiredness is always lurking, ready to take over when you finally have a moment to get things done after the kids are asleep. The dishes can wait; the laundry can sit. If you haven’t showered today—or this week—it’s just because you’re exhausted.
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Summary
Motherhood comes with various forms of fatigue that are all too relatable. From sleepless nights and anxiety to the feeling of being constantly exhausted, every mom navigates her unique brand of tiredness. Understanding these different types can help us acknowledge our struggles and find solidarity in the chaos.