In a candid revelation, actress Soha Ali Khan has opened up about the importance of protecting her sleep as a working mother and how she successfully communicated her needs to her family. She highlighted a crucial biological difference, stating that women require more sleep than men, a fact she used to create a more balanced household routine.
Communicating Sleep Needs in the Family
Soha Ali Khan shared her approach during an interaction with Tweak India, explaining how she directly addressed the issue with her husband, actor Kunal Kemmu. "I told my husband, women need more sleep than men, so let me sleep for that extra hour. Now he does," she stated. This simple yet effective communication led to a noticeable improvement in her daily functioning.
The actress also described how their daughter, Inaaya, has adapted to her mother's sleep rhythm over time. "And Inaaya also knows because she goes to bed at least two hours before I go to bed. So she gets her full sleep, and I sometimes need that extra half an hour," Soha added.
Creating a Natural Family Sleep Balance
The family's routine has now found a harmonious balance. Soha elaborated on their morning dynamic, saying, "So now she comes and she knocks on the door and she says, 'Are you awake?' And of course, then she's woken me up. But now, often she very sweetly doesn't wake me up, and she will find a way to occupy herself until I wake up and go to her."
She emphasized the value of this arrangement, noting that "I think that a little extra half an hour, one hour is very precious" for her well-being.
Understanding Sleep Guilt and Creating Equity
But why do many women feel guilty about prioritizing rest? Psychologist Rasshi Gurnani explains this phenomenon to indianexpress.com. "Guilt around rest usually comes from how women are socialised to be caregivers first and individuals later," Gurnani reveals. "Many grow up believing that their value lies in how much they do for others. When a woman rests, it can feel like she's stepping away from this responsibility, even though sleep is a biological need, not a luxury."
The psychologist suggests that couples can handle sleep differences better when they treat sleep like nutrition or medicine - something every person needs in different amounts. Sharing responsibilities at home, adjusting routines together, and accepting that both partners don't have to follow the same schedule help create fairness rather than comparison.
Effective Communication Strategies for Couples
According to Gurnani, discussing sleep works best when framed as a need rather than a complaint. Instead of saying 'You're disrupting my sleep,' it helps to say 'I function better when I sleep earlier or longer, and it will make our days smoother.'
Being specific about what helps - like dimming the lights earlier or waking up separately - reduces frustration. "Mutual respect is key; both partners' sleep needs should matter equally. Starting small, experimenting with routines, and reviewing what works avoids resentment and turns communication into teamwork," notes the expert.
Teaching Children About Boundaries
When it comes to children, Gurnani explains that "Children learn boundaries when they are taught that caring for oneself is part of caring for the family." When a parent consistently communicates their need for rest, children understand that personal time is normal, not rejection.
Parents can establish predictable cues like quiet play options during rest time or comforting routines before sleep. "Regular one-on-one time outside those hours reassures them that the connection isn't going away, it's just shared more thoughtfully. This teaches them that respecting others' needs doesn't reduce love; it strengthens it," Gurnani concludes.
