As Mother’s Day gifts go, candy and flowers are just fine; but we think that mom would really appreciate the chance to recharge her natural batteries more often.

“Whether it’s related to work, home or school, today’s moms are being pulled in multiple directions, and the tepid economy is only adding to the stress,” says Dan Schecter, senior vice president of Consumer Products at Carpenter Co.  “Motherhood has never been easy, but these days getting proper rest is a bigger challenge than ever for moms.”

Sleep deprivation is common with mothers, especially those with smaller children, and inadequate rest patterns can result in much more than daytime drowsiness.  Moodiness, irritability, memory lapses and even weight gain can result from lack of rest, so it’s not a reach to say that getting good sleep is an important part of a healthy diet.

Let us help! Here are some tips for families to help mom get the rest she needs:

• Let mom grab a nap when things are quiet around the house (such as when a baby is napping).
• Encourage mom to make a “to do” list rather than plunging into stimulating activities when the kids go to sleep.
• Just as mom strives to help the kids unwind before bedtime, family members should remember she needs time to relax at the end of the day, too.
• Make sure mom’s sleeping environment promotes the best quality rest: quiet, cool, dark, with a comfortable and supportive mattress and pillows.
• Remember, the bedroom should be for sleep and romance, not for paying bills or eating … except, of course, for breakfast in bed on Mother’s Day!