Why they say ‘poor parents’

SLEEP deprivation experienced by parents when a newborn arrives not only frazzles their nerves but can harm their bank balance.

Just one hour less sleep each night can reduce household income by up to 11%, researchers from the London School of Economics found.

One of the authors of the study, Joan Costa-i-Font, said lack of sleep led to fatigue, which could “undermine economic performance”.

He told a conference of the Royal Society of Economics this week: “Sleep is often overlooked in economics models despite its obvious restorative effects. Having children reduces productivity and I think parents and government should factor this in, and hence they need to be compensated.”