Why New Moms Can't Sleep (Even When the Baby Is Sleeping)

In this episode of the Your Sleep Coach Podcast, Devin Burke explores one of the most frustrating challenges new moms face: feeling completely exhausted, yet unable to fully relax or fall asleep when the opportunity finally comes. You’ll learn why postpartum sleep can become so fragmented, how heightened alertness and sleep pressure can keep your nervous system activated, and why trying harder to sleep often makes things worse. Devin also shares practical strategies to help new moms reduce sleep anxiety, stop doing “sleep math” in the middle of the night, create more opportunities for real rest, and respond differently when they find themselves awake at 2 or 3 AM. You’ll also hear why the advice to “sleep when the baby sleeps” isn’t always so simple, when daytime rest can actually be helpful, and how to recognize when it may be time to reach out for additional professional support. If you’re a new mom struggling with sleep, this episode will help you understand what’s happening and give you a calmer, more supportive way to approach rest during this demanding season of life.