Tips for a Sleep Deprived you

So you are having sleepless nights? Getting a full 8 hours of sleep is a far-fetched dream? You will be glad to know that you are not the only one. All new parents are sleep deprived and this phase will soon pass, as soon as your baby starts sleeping through the night. Hang in there and you will be just fine.

No one can prepare you for the exhaustion that new parents have to face. Sleep deprivation takes a toll on your life to say the least. There is a reason why people use lack of sleep to torture others. I told a soon to be mommy, to sleep as much as she can before the baby comes in... She said "but I hardly sleep". It isn't about how many hours of sleep/rest you put in before the baby, you sleep when you want to. After the baby your sleep will be ruled by the baby's sleep pattern.

Lack of sleep affects you physically and emotionally. Sooner or later your body starts demanding sleep. Keep these tried and tested (new-parent approved) tips in mind and you would be able to function normally.

1. Co-Sleep: Experts and many moms might suggest otherwise but to avoid sleep deprivation co-sleep. It really helps... This makes night feeds easy. The baby and mum would find it convenient and will not have to move from one room to another for every feed.

2. Chores can wait: Accept the fact that when you are tired, some things have to wait. You might have been a cleanliness freak or a domestic diva but you should learn how to take it easy, you can postpone chores and get some much needed sleep, it sure is totally worth it. This would mean your house might be in a mess but you will remain sane. Getting worried about the little things around your house won't help, they would be taken care of sooner/later.

3. Grab a Nap when you get a chance: Sleep really helps, even if it means a 15 minutes of power nap. You will be stunned to see how fresh you feel even if you haven't had proper 8 hours sleep. You should keep in mind, it is advisable to sleep when your baby takes a nap. You cannot nap while your baby is awake, with no one around. 

4. Ask for help: Parents, specially new parents feel it is not cool to ask for help. We must understand, if we feel exhausted we won't be able to take care of our baby. Check with your partner, parents, sibling, friends... if they can come and take care of the baby, while you take a much deserved nap.

You have to take care of yourself to take good care of the baby.