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New parents: How to get the sleep you need
When sleep becomes a struggle
The rigors of caring for a newborn may leave you so exhausted that you could fall asleep anytime, anywhere — but that's not always the case.
If you have trouble falling asleep, make sure your environment is suited for sleep. Turn off the TV and keep the room cool and dark. Avoid nicotine, caffeine and alcohol late in the day or at night. Finally, don't agonize over falling asleep. If you don't nod off within 30 minutes, get up and do something else. When you begin to feel drowsy, try going back to bed.
If you think you have a sleep problem, consult your health care provider. Identifying and treating any underlying conditions can help you get the rest you need.
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- Parenting corner Q&A: Sleep problems. American Academy of Pediatrics. http://www.aap.org/publiced/BR_Sleep.htm. Accessed April 21, 2009.
- Grover G. Sleep: Normal patterns and common disorders. In: Berkowitz CD. Berkowitz's Pediatrics: A Primary Care Approach. 3rd ed. Washington, D.C.: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2008:75.
- Understanding children's sleep habits. National Sleep Foundation. http://www.sleepforkids.org/html/habits.html. Accessed April 21, 2009.
- Insomnia. The National Women's Health Information Center. http://www.4woman.gov/faq/insomnia.htm. Accessed April 21, 2009.
- Kennedy HP, et al. Negotiating sleep: A qualitative study of new mothers. The Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing. 2007;21:114.
- American Academy of Pediatrics Task Force on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The changing concept of sudden infant death syndrome. Pediatrics. 2005;116:1245.