Children waking up at night aren't the only reason for all of those sleep-deprived mothers shuffling through life. Part of the problem is that mothers put their kids to bed and then stay up much later than they should. If your kids are still young enough to nap themselves, follow the advice you got on the maternity ward: Nap when your baby naps. Of course, many sleep-deprived mothers just pooh-pooh the recommendations about getting more rest. Sure, it would be swell if they could sleep eight hours a night, but it just seems absurdly unrealistic. They cannot cure insomnia but may help you sleep better for 1 to 2 weeks. They should not be taken for any longer.

There are lots of things that can influence how well we sleep, such as our current physical or mental health, our upbringing, things that happen to us, and even our temperament. Not getting enough sleep really affects your ability to function," says Mindell. "You're more likely to make mistakes when you're tired. You're more likely to slip and fall, or cut yourself when chopping vegetables, or forget to fasten the straps of your baby's high chair." If you're on your own, you could see if a friend or relative could stay with you for a few days so you can get more sleep. Understand your baby's sleep patterns And it's not only sleep-deprived mothers of newborns who are dragging. Whether you have a preschooler demanding encores of You Are My Sunshine at 4 a.m. or a high schooler thumping up the stairs an hour after curfew, sleep doesn't come easy to mothers -- regardless of how old their kids are.

It's important to appreciate why we sleep: to rest and repair our mind and body. It's vital for good physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Some contain natural ingredients such as valerian or lavender, while others contain an antihistamine. Ease your anxiety with a baby monitor. It’s normal to feel nervous when your child starts to sleep in a separate space. To ease this feeling, keep a baby monitor nearby. Pretty soon, you’ll feel more relaxed about this new arrangement.There are real risks to chronic exhaustion, too -- risks that many sleep-deprived mothers just don't take seriously.