Sat, 06 Jun 2026 Berlin 22:21 DE / UKR / EN

Parenting: Why Modern Parents Are Often Tired

According to the BBC, many parents today suffer from extreme fatigue, prompting some scientists to rethink sleep recommendations. The reasons for this exhaustion are varied and extend beyond sleep deprivation.

Parenting: Why Modern Parents Are Often Tired
Photo: ichef.bbci.co.uk

The discussion about parental exhaustion has gained traction on social media after a user on Reddit asked how demanding parenting really is. Over 400 responses reflect the high stress many parents experience. One user describes the situation as “extremely exhausting and literally constant.” These experiences resonate with the reality of many families who often raise children without support.

One reason for the fatigue is sleep deprivation caused by nighttime feedings of infants or early wake-ups from toddlers. A study from Germany shows that mothers get an average of one hour less sleep per night in the first three months after giving birth compared to before pregnancy. Fathers lose about 30 minutes of sleep during this time.

In addition to sleep issues, many other factors contribute to exhaustion. The combination of work and childcare presents a significant challenge for many parents. Experts recommend that parents seek support and have realistic expectations about their sleep habits.