The single most common issue that new parents face is a lack of sleep. With the holidays almost here, sleep deprivation can take a normal holiday season and change it for the worst. For pregnant moms, there are some things you can do to prepare. For moms of newborns, some coping methods will be life-savers.

1. Tie up loose ends while pregnant. All those little things that are nagging at you will not get done if you wait too long. Drop off the dry cleaning, start freezing those homemade meals, organize the chaotic areas in you life now.
2. Right after giving birth, when your newborn is whisked off to the nursery, use all the time that you can to rest.
3. On a daily basis, nap when the baby naps.
4. Pump and give up the bottle. Allow your partner to tend to night feedings too.
5. Eat healthy. When you’re sleep deprived and/or breastfeeding, keeping your nutrition up is essential for maintaining energy. Take a multi-vitamin and eat whole foods.
6. Don’t count the hours. Paying attention to how many hours of sleep you’re getting will make you feel tired just thinking about it.
7. Shower. If getting out of bed or staying awake becomes a problem, a hot shower can reanimate you.
8. Stay positive. Keep in mind that the sleepless nights will not last forever.
9. Call in the cavalry. Don’t hold back from asking for help. Get the grandparents or a fellow mom to take over for a little while so you can get some shut-eye.
10. Room with your baby. Sleeping in the same room makes feeding trips shorter and less jostling, which makes it easier to fall back asleep after.
11. Know your limits and be forgiving. People suffering from sleep deprivation often don’t realize how impaired they are. Try to be aware of your limits. If you make mistakes, forgive yourself and move on.
12. Give yourself little rewards when you have to get up in the night, like hot cocoa, a good book to read, a good movie, or music you enjoy.      
13. If you are sleeping through your alarm clock, try turning the volume up or moving it across the room so you have to get up to turn it off.
14. Take care of the most important tasks in the beginning of your day, when you’re alert.
15. Use the cold. Open windows or drink a cold glass of water; the cold can help wake you up.
16. Nap during work breaks. Some companies actually provide places to nap, but there’s no shame in taking a nap in the car either. Set up an alarm on your phone or have someone you trust call you when the time is up.
17. Eat light meals, and avoid heavy food like burgers and pizza.
18. Say “no” when you should. If you know you’re incredibly tired, driving your child to a far-off destination is not a good idea.
19. Avoid stress. Don’t sign on for situations that you know will stress you out.
20. Let it be messy. If the laundry doesn’t get folded right away it’s not a big deal.

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