Why We're All Running From Tigers – And Why Sleep Matters More Than Ever

Something is deeply wrong with how we're living. Every day in my work as a sleep consultant, I see people – from tiny babies to adults in their fifties – running on empty. They are functioning on adrenaline and cortisol, and they don’t even realise it. We’ve normalised exhaustion to the point where being tired, anxious and wired is now seen as normal. But this is not how we are meant to live.

Most people are no longer in tune with their bodies. We ignore the signs, silence the messages, and keep pushing through. We treat our bodies as if they are just vessels to get us through the day, rather than something to nourish, protect and prioritise. And the first thing we often sacrifice is sleep.

Why Rest Is Not a Luxury – It Is Essential

Sleep is vital. Every single cell and organ in the body needs rest in order to function properly. Without it, the body cannot carry out its essential processes, and that has serious consequences.

When we are overtired, we rely on adrenaline and cortisol to keep us going. But these hormones were never meant to be used in this way. Originally, they were designed to help us escape danger – to run from a tiger, for example. In that moment of threat, our bodies would respond quickly: we would feel anxious, alert, and capable of running for our lives. But while we were running, the rest of the body would slow down. The digestive system, the immune system, and even parts of the brain would pause, simply because they were not needed in that moment of survival.

What we are seeing now is people constantly living in that survival state. Running on adrenaline and cortisol, day in and day out. This leads to anxiety, and it is no surprise that anxiety is one of the biggest buzzwords today. It is no longer just a feeling – it is a state we are stuck in.

Are You Seeing the Pattern?

When your body is not resting, your organs cannot function properly. This is why we are seeing more and more people struggling with symptoms like IBS, heartburn, hormonal imbalances and even mental health challenges. And yes, this includes babies and children. Sleep deprivation does not discriminate by age.

Another word we hear all the time now is ADHD. Again, think about the connection. When the brain is constantly overstimulated, constantly scanning for threat, constantly running on stress hormones – how can it focus? How can it regulate itself? We are mistaking the symptoms of chronic exhaustion and stress for disorders without first asking: are we getting enough sleep?

It Starts Even Before Birth

What many people don’t realise is that stress affects a baby even before they are born. When a pregnant mother is under ongoing stress, her body produces elevated levels of cortisol – and that cortisol crosses the placenta. The unborn baby is already receiving signals from the outside world that say, “This is not a safe environment.”

Once born, the baby continues to take cues from their caregiver’s nervous system. This is called coregulation. If the parent is anxious, overtired, or running on adrenaline, the baby feels it too. Their little nervous systems are still developing, and they rely entirely on us to show them what calm and safety look like.

This is where the cycle often continues. A baby who is dysregulated may struggle with sleep. A parent who is exhausted and overwhelmed may find it hard to respond calmly. And so the loop goes on – both parent and child surviving, but not thriving.

You Can Break the Cycle

The good news is that this doesn’t have to continue. These patterns are not permanent. With the right support and knowledge, you can change the narrative – whether you are pregnant, a new parent, or facing sleep challenges later in childhood.

You do not have to stay stuck in a cycle of stress, anxiety, and sleeplessness. There is a better way – one rooted in understanding, connection, and rest.

That is what I help families do. I give you the tools to regulate your nervous system, to help your child regulate theirs, and to create lasting change. You don’t have to do it alone.