Steady voltage for analog inputs on XBee?

I have an analog sensor attached to a standalone battery powered XBee. I can read the voltage values just fine, but I foresee a problem as the battery voltage is drained.

What is the easiest way to maintain a steady voltage?

One idea I have: hook the VREF pin into a separate battery that I know the voltage across, and expect to last much longer than the one that actually powers the Xbee. Any ideas?