Prescription to Help the Sleep Deprived Mothers Feel Refreshed

Along with the precious new baby, new mothers also get a not-so-precious lack of sleep. New babies want to be fed and changed every few hours, and in addition to caring for your newborn, you have other responsibilities that need to be done every day. So ask your significant other to listen for the baby and get yourself the much needed sleep you deserve.

Ambien

There are three different doses of Ambien available. It comes in a 5-, 10-, and 6.25-mg tablet. You need to read all the instructions that come with the prescription to be aware of possible side effects. Take your pill with a full glass of water to reduce the risk of stomach irritation. You will need to be able to get a full eight hours of sleep when you take the pill. If you are breastfeeding, you can not take Ambien, as it will be in your breast milk and can be passed on to the baby.

Lunesta

Lunesta is a fairly new sleeping pill on the market, available only by prescription. It comes in three doses of 1 to 3 mg. Make sure that you understand all the instructions and you have talked to your doctor about side effects before taking Lunesta. Lunesta has been known to cause allergic reactions in some patients, so if you are prone to allergic reactions don't take Lunesta. Do not take Lunesta with a meal; it should be taken on a empty stomach. Make sure you can devote at least eight hours to sleep. Do not take Lunesta if you are breast feeding.

Sonata

Sonata is also available under the generic name of zaleplon. It comes in two doses--5 and 10 mg. It is available only by prescription and works to make your body relax so you can get much-needed sleep. As with all sleep medication, you need to start with the lowest dose and see how that works for you. Sonata has been known to cause sleepwalking and very vivid dreaming. You need to able to have at least eight hours to devote to the medicine or you risk being very sluggish when you wake up. As with all sleep medication, do not breastfeed while taking this drug.

Lifestyle Changes

In addition to medications, you can make some practical changes to improve your energy and focus. Limit your caffeine intake--this drug makes you feel buzzed for a time, but you will feel worse when the high subsides.

You can also take catnaps throughout the day while the baby is asleep; even 30 minutes at a time will help. Find ways to reduce your stress; bring in some outside help or take the time to get a massage or take a long, hot bath.

Finally, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and avoid heavy, fatty foods that make you feel uncomfortably full or significantly affect your blood-sugar levels.

Medication Usage Tips

Only take sleep medication when there is someone to look after the baby, because you will likely sleep deep enough that you wont be able to hear the baby. Do not attempt to drive after you have taken a sleeping pill and do not attempt to stop taking the sleeping pill without contacting your health care professional. Some sleeping pills are habit-forming, so talk to your doctor if you think you may be becoming dependent on them.