Parents of premature babies sleep less well

Researcher calls for clearer sleep guidance to be included in postnatal care.

“Sleep is not only important for children – it's crucial for parents too,” says Gunhild Nordbø Marthinsen.

(Photo: Colourbox)

Magnus Nødland Skogedal COMMUNICATIONS ADVISER

Presented by: University of Agder

Published 13 August 2025 - 00:01

Long sleepless nights and little rest mark the beginning of parenthood for many. But how big is the problem really, and how does it affect our health? Gunhild Nordbø Marthinsen has explored this in her doctoral research at the University of Agder.

“Sleep is not only important for children – it's crucial for parents too,” she says.

Sleep is an underrated health factor

Marthinsen has worked with sick children and their parents for several years. This is where she first noticed that sleep was not getting much attention.

“The parents are not our patients, but that doesn't mean their sleep needs aren't important,” she says.

Research shows that sleep deprivation can have a major impact on both physical and mental health, especially during the postnatal period. Sleep problems can lead to stress, exhaustion, depression, and reduced quality of life – especially for new mothers.

Premature babies – higher risk for parents

The study examined the sleep patterns of two groups of parents. One group had children who were born prematurely, and the other had children who were born at term.

The results show that parents of premature babies have poorer sleep quality – and often a higher incidence of insomnia. For some, this lasted up to a year after birth.

Gunhild Nordbø Marthinsen has worked with sick children and their parents for several years.

Insomnia affects each person in a unique way.

Some struggle to fall asleep, others wake up several times during the night, and some experience poor sleep quality. The common factor is not getting enough sleep over a long period of time.

“Many of the parents we tried to recruit were in crisis. They had a child in the neonatal intensive care unit, perhaps with serious health issues. Sleep was low on their list of priorities,” says Marthinsen.

Still, it turned out that parents of full-term babies also struggle with sleep – sometimes just as much.

Insomnia is more than just poor sleep

It's normal to sleep poorly with a newborn in the house. But when does it go from being normal to becoming a diagnosis?

“Insomnia is about more than just a lack of sleep. It's about struggling to function during the day and the problem persisting for at least three months. Many new parents suffer from this without even realising,” Marthinsen explains.

In her research, more than half of the mothers in both groups had insomnia two months after giving birth. The number was lower for fathers, but still over 40 per cent.

Lack of language and tools

Marthinsen points out that healthcare professionals often lack the language and methods to talk to parents about sleep.

“We systematically map pain and depression. But sleep is not very specific. Many people just say: ‘I sleep poorly sometimes.’ That doesn't say much,” she says.

Marthinsen believes it's time to place greater emphasis on sleep within postnatal care.

“We should talk more about sleep right from the start. How to develop good sleep habits, what's normal, and when to seek help. This is something all new parents can benefit from, especially those with premature babies,” she says.

The way forward

Marthinsen recommends that sleep guidance be introduced as a regular part of pregnancy and postnatal care. She believes it should be easier for parents to get help before sleep issues become a serious health problem.

“Many think it's something they just have to put up with. But sleep is not a luxury. It's a necessity,” she says.

Reference:

Marthinsen, G.N. Sleep and Health-Related Quality of Life in Parents of Preterm and Full-Born Infants, Doctoral dissertation at the University of Agder, 2024.

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Read the Norwegian version of this article on forskning.no