India, May 16 -- Sleep deprivation is one of the most common challenges new mothers face, whether it's cradling the baby back to sleep, feeding, or responding to every cry throughout the night. Taking care of a newborn or even a toddler is very demanding, both physically and mentally. As mothers take care of all the needs, sleep gets compromised.

Sleepless nights are often brushed off as a normal part of motherhood, something to simply 'brave through with patience.' But beyond the yawns and microsleeps lie deeper and more dangerous consequences for a mother's mental health. It's not something that should be normalised as the side effects are harmful to the entire wellbeing.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Tonmoy Sharma, Psychiatri...