New Study Says Maine Moms Are Running on Empty

As Mother’s Day weekend arrives in Maine, a new study is shining a light on something many moms across the state already know all too well: they’re exhausted.

And according to the research, it’s not just because the kids are waking them up in the middle of the night.

A new national survey of 1,000 mothers found that the biggest thing stealing moms’ sleep is the nonstop “mental load” they carry every day. Things like worrying about school schedules, daycare pickups, sports practices, bills, grocery lists, appointments, and everything else that keeps a household running.

In fact, 70% of moms surveyed said anxiety, racing thoughts, and unfinished responsibilities are the main reason they struggle to sleep. That beat out kids waking them up during the night, working late, or even a partner’s snoring, according to Better Sleep.

For moms here in Maine, especially those juggling work, family life, long commutes, and packed schedules, the findings may hit close to home.

The study found only 23% of moms are getting the recommended seven hours of sleep each night. Meanwhile, 14% say they’re surviving on just four to five hours, while 2% report getting less than four hours of sleep.

The exhaustion is taking a toll. Nearly half of mothers surveyed admitted they often feel like they’re simply “going through the motions,” while 46% say lack of sleep makes them more short-tempered with their kids.

For working moms, the impact stretches into the workplace as well. More than half said they’ve called out sick, left work early, or struggled to perform at work because they were so tired, Better Sleep explained.

The numbers were even tougher for single mothers, with one-third reporting they typically get five hours of sleep or less on weeknights.

And perhaps the most relatable finding of all? Nearly three-quarters of moms said they feel like their exhaustion often goes unnoticed by the people around them.

So this Mother’s Day weekend, maybe the best gift for the moms in your life isn’t flowers, brunch, or chocolates.

Maybe it’s a nap.