It's time to talk about sleep deprivation.

“You look tired.”

Three words that I’ve heard a lot lately – and every time I respond: “That’s because I am.”

I haven’t slept properly since the first trimester of pregnancy, which was almost two years ago now.

Sure, my partner and I have been away on a child-free night since then but I’m breastfeeding my youngest which means, even when away from home, I’m waking up in the night with painfully-full boobs.

There are no 10am lie-ins (ahh, remember those?). Just 4am pumping sessions in strange bathrooms followed by a significant pang of hunger (breastfeeding does that) at about 6.30am.

The other night I was woken up a grand total of five times – not including my 5.30am alarm – by a teething and very sad toddler who just wanted cuddles and to feed (not for hunger, but for comfort).

Prior to that if it’s not been teething pain, it’s been gas, or allergy-related pain (she has a delayed allergy which was only recently formally diagnosed).

When I got into the shower the night after five disruptions and a 5am start, my heart felt like it was racing and my body felt... stressed. I’m usually pretty unflappable, but it’s clear to see: months of broken sleep is taking its toll.

Sleep deprivation is a ‘public health issue’

“Sleep deprivation is not just ‘part of parenting’ – it’s a public

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