In a world that glorifies hustle and late nights, it’s easy to forget that sleep is a necessity not a luxury. Yet without enough rest, everything else suffers like your health, mood, focus, and even relationships. Whether you're a parent running on empty or a professional pushing limits, skipping sleep isn’t a badge of honour, it’s a warning sign. Rest is essential, not indulgent. Written by Good Night, child and sleep consultancy.
Often parents feel guilty about the need to want their babies or children to sleep. “Why can’t I wake up so many times for my baby if they need that?”
While the fact remains that inevitably there is a time during the newborn phase where you will have to get up to feed your little one, there is a time for your baby to start sleeping better. This “time to start sleeping better” is not only directed by the mom’s wishes (of course this is a nice added benefit); it is a necessary step for the development of your little one.
Just think of yourself and how you feel when your baby wakes up three times a night? What makes you think your baby does not feel the same? While they’re still cuter and look better than what we do due to their youth, they too struggle after poor sleep. In fact, they are probably worse off, as they need almost double the amount of sleep than we need.
Let’s look at some reasons why sleep is a necessity for your little one:
- The first and most obvious reason is that you and your baby will be in a better mood. Moms have noted the significant impact on how they perceive their babies when both parties have been sleeping well. Babies have a better temperament, are more approachable and are generally less likely to be cranky and crying the whole day after having in a good night’s sleep. Similarly, well-rested toddlers are more able to control their emotions and think before throwing a tantrum.
- Children grow when they sleep! The growth hormone is mainly secreted during deep sleep. Parents can also often observe and see growth and learning taking place during sleep as babies are quite active while sleeping. An interesting thought is that babies generally spend so much time sleeping, so where will they find the time to learn how to walk and talk if they did not practise it in their sleep?
- Sleep can influence your child’s weight. More studies indicate that a lack of sleep is linked to obesity. Weight problems, in turn, can lead to heart problems. I have seen the effects of ill-sleep in different ways. An example is when toddlers start eating better when the night milk feedings are cut out, because these are no longer essential. Similarly, well-rested babies start eating and drinking better when they have sufficient energy to do so.
- Better sleep protects us against getting sick. During sleep, our body produces proteins called cytokines, which the body depends on to combat infection, illness, and stress. Even as adults we are more irritable and prone to stress and illness when we do not get a good night’s sleep.
- Sleep helps with better attention span and increases learning. Interestingly, attention problems such as ADHD and lack of sleep have very similar symptoms. In recent years, sleep analysis forms a very integral part of diagnosing ADHD and related conditions. With better attention comes better memory retention and assists with learning.
- Sleep lowers the risk of injury, even when assessing adults. Pilots have to sign documentation to show that they have slept eight hours before operating a plane. Children, too, are clumsier and make more mistakes with their movements if they are not well-rested.
“This ‘time to start sleeping better’ is not only directed by the mom’s wishes (of course this is a nice added benefit); it is a necessary step for the development of your little one.”
The benefits of sleeping well go far beyond just feeling better. Parents should know that sleep is not a luxury and it is not something they should feel guilty about wanting; it is a necessity for their little ones to grow up healthy.
By Jolandi Becker – MD Good Night. References available on request.
BabyYumYum FAQS: Why Sleep Is a Necessity Not a Luxury
Why is sleep considered a necessity?
Sleep is essential for physical health, emotional wellbeing, brain function, and immune support. It’s not an indulgence as it’s how your body restores, repairs and recharges.
What happens when we don’t get enough sleep?
Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to fatigue, irritability, poor concentration, weakened immunity, and increased risk of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and depression.
How much sleep do adults really need?
Most adults need between 7 and 9 hours of quality sleep per night. However, individual needs vary depending on age, lifestyle and health.
Is it true that you can “catch up” on missed sleep?
You can recover slightly from short-term sleep debt, but consistently missing sleep takes a toll on your body and mind. Regular, restorative sleep is more effective than trying to catch up.
Why is quality of sleep just as important as quantity?
Even if you’re in bed for 8 hours, frequent waking or light, restless sleep can leave you feeling tired. Deep, uninterrupted sleep is key to proper rest and recovery.
What are the long-term effects of poor sleep?
Long-term poor sleep can increase the risk of anxiety, depression, obesity, heart disease, and memory problems. It can also impair daily functioning and emotional regulation.
How does sleep affect mental health?
Good sleep supports emotional resilience and mental clarity. Lack of sleep can worsen mood swings, anxiety, and stress, and may contribute to mental health disorders.
Can sleep improve productivity?
Yes. A well-rested mind is more focused, creative, and efficient. Sleep helps with memory retention, decision-making, and problem-solving are all key for performance in daily life and work.
What are signs that I’m not getting enough sleep?
Common signs include constant tiredness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, headaches, weakened immunity and reliance on caffeine to stay alert.
How can I improve my sleep quality?
Stick to a regular sleep schedule, limit screens before bed, create a relaxing bedtime routine, avoid caffeine late in the day and ensure your bedroom is quiet, dark and cool.
Is napping a good idea?
Short naps (10–30 minutes) can boost energy and focus, especially if you didn’t get enough sleep the night before. Avoid long naps late in the day as they may disrupt your night-time sleep.
Why do people still view sleep as a luxury?
In busy cultures, rest is often undervalued and replaced with productivity or screen time. But sleep is a vital form of self-care prioritising it is a sign of strength, not laziness.
Disclaimer: This information is for general wellbeing guidance and does not replace medical advice. If you are struggling with sleep or experiencing ongoing fatigue, consult your GP or a sleep specialist.
Gillian Klawansky offers strategies for helping your children navigate nightmares and address their underlying fears.
