7 Ways to Deal with Sleep Deprivation as a New Parent
Is there anything tougher than dealing with sleep deprivation as a new parent? It’s a tough adjustment, but it’s one that every new parent must make. Check out these seven tips to deal with sleep deprivation as a new parent.
1. Sleep When You Can
Keep in mind that what you used to consider “normal” sleep is no longer standard. At this point in life, you will have to be okay with sleeping when you can. Sleeping at random times might seem silly, but it will help you deal with sleep deprivation as a new parent.
2. Stay off Your Electronics
Did you know your electronics can keep your brain from falling asleep when you need to? Try to focus on your child and going back to sleep after you lay them back down. Bright lights from electronics only keep your brain awake longer.
3. Don’t Do it All
Your body is adjusting to a lot less sleep, which means you might be crankier and harder to deal with. Get it through your head that you won’t be able to do it all as you go through those first few months of parenting. Sleep deprivation does take a toll on your body and all you can do is extend yourself some grace.
4. Say No to Other Commitments
After just having a baby, it’s going to be hard to stick to all of the commitments you have lined up already. One way to deal with sleep deprivation is to say no to other commitments. This will help you rest when you need to, without draining yourself even more.
5. Find Other Ways to Rest
Okay, so you have come to the conclusion that sleep isn’t going to happen, but you can find other ways to relax and rest. This will help your body stay sane as you go through this new parent stage. Resting can be sitting down, listening to music, or even holding your baby.
6. Always Agree to Help
Even if you are only agreeing to allow your spouse to let you sleep for a few hours, say yes to help. Sometimes it’s hard to let others help you when you need it, but it’s so worth it. Letting your family and friends help is one way you can deal with sleep deprivation as a new parent.
7. Love Coffee Again
There are few caffeinated drinks that help new parents deal with the craziness of sleep deprivation. If you have tried everything else and cannot find anything to help with sleep deprivation, then consider loving coffee again.
Great tips. It was SO hard after my babies were born, but I made it though.
If both parents are working and mom isn’t breatfeeding, you can try a nightly rotation so that you both have a chance to catch up on sleep.
Also, don’t be afraid to cosleep either.
This phase won’t last forever so try to embrace it. Most babies, start sleeping through the night once they are 6 months to a year old, sooner if your lucky.
Having a new baby in the house is a blessing. But that doesn’t mean that it comes easily for parents, especially in the sleep department. These are great tips!
I remember those days. I felt like a walking zombie. I used to sleep when they napped and it was some of the best sleep. Both of my kids napped until they were about 5 years old, so I got in a lot of naps! Now that they’re 6 and 9, I’m missing those naps…
I’ve learned to say yes to help. The funny thing (irony?) is that now that I have, we moved away from those who offered, lol!
I strongly agree with the first tip. Back then, I would sleep whenever my son is asleep. Because I’d be awake when he’s awake and that’s mostly during the wee hours of the morning.
These are great tips. I love reminding new parents not to do it all. There is a lot of pressure out there, and new parents need none of it!