Sleep deprivation is a debilitating reality in life. Many individuals lack sufficient amounts of rest as they are preoccupied with work, family, and other extra activities. Others find it hard to juggle things around without a regular resting pattern set in place, while many others suffer from sleep disorders, such as insomnia and sleep apnea.
If you’re a parent who has recently given birth to a child, you may be confronted with an irregular sleeping pattern. In this article, we will share with you four valuable tips on how to cope up with the lack of sleep as a parent:
1. Try to Sleep at the Same Time as Your Baby
It’s undoubtedly hard to rest when you have a baby, particularly during the child’s first year. As much as possible, you will need to be on alert 24/7. You have to feed your child, change the diaper, lull your baby to sleep, and give in to all other basic needs of your child. Given all these circumstances, the best time to rest as a parent is when your baby sleeps.
2. Foster a Good Sleep Habit for Your Baby
Sure, it may be hard to predict and set your baby’s sleep during the first few months, and during this time, you can only get content with a few hours of shut-eye each day. As time goes by, however, help your child develop a good sleeping habit. Make sure to set regular bedtimes and encourage daily naps so that you will have a regular sleeping schedule as well.
3. Sleep Close to Your Baby for the First Year
According to the Academy of American Pediatrics (AAP), it’s best to have your baby rest with you in the same room for the first year. Why? You can take advantage of a handful of benefits, knowing that your child is just a few inches or steps away from you. This is because you can immediately attend to your baby when he or she needs something. That way, you won’t have to get in from one room to another, giving yourself and your child a sound sleep.
4. Have a Sleep Plan for Postpartum Survival
For your postpartum survival, you have to plan things and be rather intentional. This includes how to attend to your child’s needs without compromising your sleep big time because it’s vital that you get your partner involved during this challenging time. As much as possible, you and your partner should take turns in taking care of your baby. If one has to go to work, then getting a nanny is a good idea. You can also have an extended family member or a baby nurse come over your house regularly.
Sleep Specialist in Jacksonville, FL
Sleep deprivation affects many parents, especially for those who have a new baby at home. It doesn’t necessarily mean, however, that you have to succumb to your predicament. There are ways in which you can address your situation and deal with sleep deprivation effectively. Make sure to follow the valuable tips outlined above, and see how they can improve your sleep and the quality of your life.
At Jacksonville Sleep Center, we help people deal with the lack of rest through an individualized approach. If you’re looking for a sleep specialist in Jacksonville, FL, for assessments and treatments, contact us today to see how we can help!
