How to Function While Sleep Deprived

Whether it is stress, illness or a new baby, eventually everyone will deal with some form of sleep deprivation. Unfortunately the loss of sleep can trigger a host of problems, some of which include lower immune function, irritability and depression. There are, however, ways to deal and minimize some of the harmful side effects, at least until normal sleep functions return.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Multi-vitamin (with extra C)
• Noise machine
• Meditation tapes

1. Exercise each day for 20 minutes, whenever you can. Do this every morning, and it will energize you despite your lack of sleep. It is hard to get motivated when you are tired, but once you're moving you will find it easy to keep going. Small bursts of exercise for 5 to 10 minutes will also help get you through a long day when you have enjoyed little sleep.
2. Take a multi-vitamin every day and eat a diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Think of your body as a machine that needs fuel to function. Food and sleep are your fuels, so compensate your loss of sleep in every way that you can.
3. Try to nap if you can, but not more than 20 minutes or you could feel sluggish. Do this while baby is sleeping or during your lunch hour; it can be refreshing as long it is kept short.
4. Go to bed at the same time every night, use a noise machine and practice meditation techniques to go to sleep.
5. Don’t take your worries to bed. Make a list of all the stressful things that need your attention, like bills or laundry, and do them first thing every morning.
6. Take it easy on yourself and learn to say “no”. If you are tired and are trying to fulfill too many demands burn out is immanent.

Tips & Warnings

• Sleep aids are habit forming; see a doctor before beginning one.
• Coffee is helpful in the morning, but try not to drink it after noon or you may not be tired at night and prolong sleep problems.