All couples with young children are sleep deprived. A lack of sleep means that emotions can quickly run high during discussions. This leads to partners saying ugly things to each other that they cannot take back. Fatigue can become a problem because parents are less able to engage in efficient problem solving and thus have difficulty adjusting to the new roles. The relationship becomes less satisfying for parents because the ability to be open to what the other person needs diminishes. There is no longer the energy to accommodate the ups and downs of the partner as well.
What actually happens when you don't sleep enough?
In laboratories, sleep scientists mimicked the sleep of young parents. That is, every few hours they woke up the parents. The subjects actually had an easier time because they didn't have to do anything else. There was no baby to drink milk, need a clean diaper or cry from cramps. The scientists determined that sleep deprivation can lead to feelings of gloom, that is, without needing a reason! It is recommended that help be sought from the CJG, for example, with developing a sleep routine for children.
Parents don't have to reinvent the wheel themselves. The Ouders Inc. online course gives you the best tips for dealing with sleep deprivation.