Tips for coping with tiredness

[neepsntatties]

I know everyone finds it hard to be tired but I think I am especially bad at coping with a lack of sleep.

I am pregnant at the moment so not getting enough sleep because of that and then DS decided that he was awake at 4:30. I have already snappped at him about three times and had to say sorry and cbeebies has been on since 8 because I am struggling to keep my eyes open. I also become more clumsy etc when I am tired so everything suddenly becomes difficult to do.

I am dreading the tiredness of new born, really got down with ds1.

Anyone found any good tricks for coping when you just haven't had enough sleep and there is nothing you can do about it?

I second floradix - DD2 was born a year ago when DD1 was 26 months and I was whacked towards the end of my pregnancy - turns out I had very low iron levels so do ask your MW to check. I ended up having an 8-week gap between checks, so didn't find out I was iron deficient for ages, which was rather annoying (and jeopardized my home birth).
Agree that you should try to get out if you can. even if just for a brief walk. I know it seems a mission but I find even now (DD1 3y 2m, DD2 1 y, 1 day!) it makes a massive difference.
And, for what it's worth, I found it MUCH easier having a newborn and toddler than being heavily pg with toddler. Even with lack of sleep (and mine was shocking til she was 9 months old), it's just so much easier being able to get comfortable in bed, run after toddler in day etc. And it stops you tossing and turning in the middle of night wondering how you're going to cope when baby turns up.
And only other thing - take it a day at a time. And be nice to yourself!

Yes, Floradix! It was horrible for my heartburn when I was pregnant, but lots of people love it!