Sleep deprivation is common for parents of young children—especially newborns. Inadequate sleep can leave you feeling constantly tired and overwhelmed. These tips may help you cope:

• Try to nap whenever your baby does. Or take a hot bath to relax.
• Go to bed as early as you need to, even if it's 8:00 p.m.
• Don't worry about housework or chores. Focus instead on caring for yourself and your baby. Ask your spouse or another relative to help out, or hire a cleaning service during the early months.
• Limit visits from friends and relatives during the first few months. Ask people to call before they visit.
• When you're resting, let your answering machine pick up phone calls. Or take the phone off the hook.
• Make life easier for yourself. Use paper plates and take-out meals for a few weeks. Have a babysitter or friend come in so you can take a long nap.
• Try energizing yourself with physical exercise. Walking, stretching, bicycling, and aerobics can invigorate you when you're dragging.