The Marvelous Minds of Fathers

June’s Mind Spotlight

J. DIEKER

In June’s Integrative Spotlight article, we discussed the effects of fatherhood on men’s bodies, minds, and more. In the aforementioned article, we discovered that fatherhood increases a man’s empathy and can even change the shape of his brain by increasing neuroplasticity. This article will take a deeper look into the mental health of fathers. 

In multiple studies, scientists found that men who were fathers proved to be far more empathetic than non-fathers. Fathers were able to more accurately recognize the emotions displayed by infants' facial reactions. They were also more responsive to these reactions. Another study found that in addition to increased neuroplasticity, the size of fathers’ brains changed. Dr. Saxbe, from the University of South Carolina, writes: 

“Specifically, they lost grey matter volume in the cortex, the outer layer of brain tissue that is loaded up with neurons and responsible for higher-order thinking such as critical analysis and problem solving. Although a shrinking brain sounds like a negative, researchers have speculated that grey matter volume loss may represent a streamlining of the brain to work more efficiently in order to handle the cognitive challenges of parenthood.”

These changes are also similar to the way mothers’ brains change. To check out more of Dr. Saxbe’s research on fathers, click here.

Additionally, the results are in about what we all know to be true; studies have proven that when children sleep poorly, so do dads. This can negatively impact their physical and mental wellbeing. The CDC has found one of the largest demographics getting insufficient sleep are men. Fathers who aren’t getting sleep are lacking the energy they desperately need. 

While for most of the time parents find their sleep schedule at the mercy of their children, there are some things that can be done to make your chances at a good night’s rest higher! First, wind down on screen time and set a good routine for yourself before bed. Try to not eat at least an hour before bed. These small habits help signal to your body that it is time to wind down. Secondly, try to do something calming, such as journaling, breathing exercises, or praying. Studies have also found that creating a cool, dark environment is also helpful for falling asleep faster.

This Father’s Day, give dad the gift he really needs: a morning to sleep in!

References:

Coles, L., Thorpe, K., Smith, S., Hewitt, B., Ruppanner, L., Bayliss, O., O'Flaherty, M., & Staton, S. (2022). Children's sleep and fathers' health and wellbeing: A systematic review. Sleep medicine reviews, 61, 101570. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2021.101570 

“FastStats: Sleep in Adults.” Sleep, 15 May 2024, www.cdc.gov/sleep/data-research/facts-stats/adults-sleep-facts-and-stats.html. Accessed 5 June 2026.

Saxbe, Darby. “‘Dad Brain’ Is Real.” Early Childhood Matters, 28 Jan. 2025, earlychildhoodmatters.online/2025/dad-brain-is-real. Accessed 11 June 2026.

Scott, Kieran. “Fathers and Mental Health - Change Mental Health.” Change Mental Health - a Future Where No One Needs to Face Mental Illness Alone, 4 June 2026, changemh.org/resources/fathers-and-mental-health/#1780498849101-e3d36e65-d8e4. Accessed 5 June 2026.