📣 For more lifestyle news, click here to join our WhatsApp Channel and also follow us on Instagram
© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
Tags:
Journalism of Courage
For many adults, a good night’s sleep is one of the hardest things to achieve, especially after they become new parents. Between juggling work, family, and personal time, sleep often becomes the first casualty. But for actor Alia Bhatt, rest remains non-negotiable.
In a recent appearance on Two Much, the Amazon Prime Video talk show hosted by Kajol and Twinkle Khanna, Alia opened up about the lifestyle changes she has experienced since becoming a mother to her daughter, Raha Kapoor, nearly three years ago. Talking about her sleep habits, she revealed, “When you have a baby, your body clock changes. Even if you don’t want to wake up, she will wake you up.”
Despite the challenges of parenting, Alia said she has always been an “early-to-bed, early-to-rise” person. “I really love sleeping. Sometimes I’m asleep by 9:30 pm, and I feel so joyful counting the hours I’ve slept,” she said, adding that her husband Ranbir Kapoor follows a similar rhythm. “Ranbir is on the same clock as me—he might come to bed 30 minutes later, but he too wakes up early.”
Arpita Kohli, psychologist and counsellor at PSRI Hospital, tells indianexpress.com, “Parenthood brings significant changes to an adult’s sleep cycle, especially during the early months after a baby’s birth. New parents often experience fragmented sleep due to nighttime feedings, diaper changes, and the baby’s irregular sleep patterns. This lack of continuous rest can lead to fatigue, irritability, and reduced focus during the day.”
To cope with these changes, she mentions, parents should prioritise rest whenever possible. Taking short naps when the baby sleeps, sharing nighttime responsibilities between partners, and maintaining a consistent bedtime routine can help the body adjust better. Avoiding caffeine in the evening, keeping the bedroom dark and quiet, and practising relaxation techniques before bed can improve sleep quality even when total sleep hours are reduced. Over time, as the baby’s sleep becomes more predictable, the parent’s body clock gradually stabilises too.
Kohli states that sleeping early allows the body to align with its natural circadian rhythm, which promotes better hormonal balance, digestion, and cognitive function. Early sleepers often experience deeper, more restorative sleep cycles, leading to improved mood stability, higher energy levels, and better focus during the day.
“Psychologically, going to bed early and waking up refreshed can reduce stress, anxiety, and irritability. It also supports emotional regulation and productivity since the brain performs best after a full night’s rest. The consistency of sleeping early can also lower the risk of long-term health problems such as obesity, hypertension, and depression,” notes Kohli.
Aligned sleep routines can greatly benefit couples, Kohli agrees, as they promote better emotional connection, shared relaxation time, and improved relationship satisfaction. When both partners go to bed at similar times, it strengthens intimacy and communication.
“However, when partners have very different body clocks or bedtime habits, it can cause sleep disturbances, frustration, or even emotional distance over time. To maintain harmony, couples can find a middle ground by aligning at least part of their routines — such as winding down together before one partner goes to sleep — or using quiet, independent activities that respect each other’s schedules. Mutual understanding and small adjustments help preserve both sleep quality and relationship health,” concludes the expert.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
