Satomi Ishihara Speaks Out Sleepless Nights and Memory Loss Reveal the Serious Reality of Postpartum Mommy Brain

Will she be able to memorize her lines?

Actress Satomi Ishihara (39) has made a candid confession that is drawing both empathy and surprise.

In an interview published on CREA WEB on March 21, titled “Fighting nighttime crying, Satomi Ishihara talks about balancing childcare and the stage,” she revealed that once her baby’s nighttime crying began, she just can’t sleep at all, and that after giving birth, my memory has gotten worse—I’m very forgetful. She even used the term mommy brain.

Even Ishihara, who continues to thrive at the forefront of the glamorous entertainment industry, finds herself wondering, “Wait, what was I about to do again?”

Her honest concerns—whether she can memorize her lines and properly control herself—likely resonated deeply with many mothers.

“Mommy brain” is not an official medical term. However, the impact of postnatal brain fog is far from small. It is a serious issue that can affect both daily life and work.

Dr. Kenichiro Sakaguchi, director of Sangenjaya Art Clinic, explains:

“After childbirth, in addition to the drastic hormonal changes, sleep tends to become fragmented due to nighttime breastfeeding and crying. Mothers must constantly stay alert to even the smallest changes in their baby, leading to ongoing physical and mental tension. As a result, symptoms such as increased forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, and mental sluggishness are more likely to occur. Even while experiencing these issues, many push themselves because they feel ‘I’m a mother,’ which can worsen the condition.”

Ishihara’s simple statement—“I just want to sleep”—captures the reality of postpartum life. When sleepless days continue, attention and judgment decline, and it becomes harder to organize thoughts. Despite this, many mothers tend to push themselves, thinking they must stay strong.

They may blame themselves when household tasks and childcare don’t go smoothly. Even after returning to work, they may feel anxious, thinking, “I’m not as sharp as before” or “I’m making more mistakes.” These accumulated feelings can often lead to a loss of confidence and increased anxiety.

Dr. Sakaguchi also points out the lack of understanding from others:

“Postpartum changes are hard to see from the outside, so they are sometimes mistaken for a lack of effort or a mindset issue. In reality, they are caused by a combination of physical changes, sleep deprivation, and the burdens of childcare.”

There may also be underlying postpartum depression

What makes this issue difficult is that postpartum problems are often dismissed as just part of being a mother. Especially in Japan, even if mothers are exhausted or unable to sleep, they are often expected to endure it with the attitude of everyone goes through it.

However, if this endurance continues for too long, mommy brain can develop into more serious mental health issues.

“While there are individual differences in postpartum physical and mental changes, many people push themselves despite struggling. If symptoms such as uncontrollable tears, strong anxiety, persistent low mood, inability to sleep despite wanting to, or difficulty feeling affection toward the baby are present, there may be other underlying issues such as postpartum depression. It’s important to consult a gynecologist or other specialist early.”

Satomi Ishihara has been struggling with mommy brain while trying to regain balance. She aims to resume Pilates, which she practiced before pregnancy, incorporates herbal medicine and supplements, and tries to secure as much sleep as possible.

One particularly striking episode she shared was how, during a visit to the hair salon, she felt she could finally take a deep breath for the first time in a while. When bathing together with a child, there is no room to care for oneself, so even that brief moment became a special time that soothed both mind and body.

This episode illustrates just how much time mothers lose for themselves after childbirth. Washing one’s hair slowly, taking a deep breath, sitting quietly—these ordinary things can become luxuries in postpartum life.

It is important for family members and those close to them to ask, “Are you okay? Why don’t you rest for a bit?” Even creating small moments where a mother can take a breather can help protect her mental and physical health.

Ishihara’s confession should not be consumed merely as an unexpected moment of vulnerability from a popular actress. Postpartum women are living through extremely demanding days.

Behind the gentle term mommy brain, the minds and bodies of mothers are quietly wearing down. This reality should not be dismissed as something that can’t be helped.