Klaasje Meijer says sleep deprivation strained her relationship

Klaasje Meijer Opens Up on Early Parenthood

Former K3 singer Klaasje Meijer has opened up about the strain that prolonged sleep deprivation placed on her relationship following the birth of her son, Abel, in August 2025, Nieuwsblad reported. In a candid interview discussing her new book, Mama wil slapen (Mom Wants to Sleep), the 31-year-old artist addressed the realities of early parenthood that many parents hesitate to voice aloud.

Meijer’s book steps away from standard sleep-training methods and rigid schedules, focusing instead on shared experiences and conversations with other parents and specialists.

Addressing the Isolation of Broken Nights

The initial months of parenthood brought moments of profound isolation, Meijer told Nieuwsblad, noting that despite sharing duties with her husband, Max, the late-night hours often felt lonesome.

“I often thought: are we the only ones still moving around while the rest of the world sleeps?” Meijer said, adding that the book aims to show readers that identical scenes play out behind many front doors.

Expert Insights on Biology and Caregiving

To gain broader perspective for the project, Meijer consulted several experts, including psychiatrist Dirk De Wachter and endocrinologist Guy T’Sjoen. Among the key insights she gathered was the biological shift that occurs in fathers who take on caregiving roles. T’Sjoen explained to her that men’s hormone profiles change when they step into active parenting, making fathers more responsive to a baby’s cries at night.

Building a Village and Managing Habits

Reflecting on the grueling periods of sleep deprivation, Meijer emphasized the practical value of a strong social network, or village, recalling an intervention from her sister who arrived with a direct offer to push the stroller so Meijer could finally rest. De Wachter also stressed the importance of relying on friends and family, while noting that individuals retain personal responsibility for rest by managing habits like evening mobile phone use.