Amy Poehler Has Sleep Struggles After Children

The sleep struggle is real for Amy Poehler! The Parks and Recreation star and SNL alum opened up about suffering from sleep deprivation after kids in her new memoir, Yes Please.

In a comedic tone, Poehler explains something that every parent can relate to — the lack of sleep one endures after taking on the task of having children. In her book, Amy compares it to being disappointed by the moon.

“The sleep deprivation after children is so real. I liken it to what it must feel like to walk on the moon and cry the whole time because you had heard that the moon was supposed to be great but in truth it totally sucks.”

The cure for sleep deprivation? In Amy’s case it was cat naps anywhere and everywhere. Since Poehler works around the clock making us all laugh, she had to get a little creative about her cat naps.

“I slept wherever I could. Twenty minutes at lunch. During production meetings. In my car. I remember being filled with rage when childless people would talk about brunch.”

She goes on to explain that sleep is important for those hard to make decisions and just winning at life in general. “One good night’s sleep can help you realize that you shouldn’t break up with someone, or you are being too hard on your friend, or you actually will win the race or the game or get the job. Sleep helps you win at life.”

The humorous tone aside, Poehler did seek medical help for her problems with sleep deprivation. It ended up with a diagnoses of sleep apnea, a very serious condition which stops you from breathing for a few seconds, but could lead to death if not treated.

Poehler was sent home with a CPAP machine to wear every night. It’s a pretty intrusive machine and under any sleeping circumstance is extremely uncomfortable. As Poehler notes, “You know it’s good for you but most of the time you don’t feel like it.”

Right now, the machine is in her closet even though she knows she should use it. “I know I should use it. I’m working on it. I’m a bad sleeper; I told you. I want to sleep. I do. I want to go gentle into that good night, so help me God.”

Poehler has two children with ex-husband Will Arnett, sons Abel Arnett, 6, and Archibald “Archie” Arnett, 4.

[Image via Featureflash / Shutterstock.com]