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What To Do About Insomnia In Pregnancy

Insomnia in pregnancy can quickly make this joyful time feel like a living nightmare. As if dealing with everything else that comes with pregnancy wasn’t already trying enough, you now find that you’re exhausted and unable to get a full night of sleep.

Why It Happens

There is no one cause for insomnia in pregnancy because all women are different. The things keeping you up at night may be very different from what keeps another mom-to-be up. Some of the most common reasons for insomnia in pregnancy are:

•    Anxiety and Stress
•    Restlessness
•    Frequent urination
•    Discomfort

The hormonal changes along with lifestyle changes and the uncertainty that is common to feel before your baby is born can certainly all make it hard for you to relax and get your much needed sleep. It’s normal for a mother-to-be to be more tired than usual while pregnant, so add to that the fact that being over tired can actually cause insomnia and you’re lucky to get any sleep at all! Luckily, there are some things you can do to help you get some shut eye.

Better Than Counting Sheep

There are a few things that you can do about insomnia in pregnancy that don’t involve taking dangerous sleeping pills. Different things work for different women so you may need to try more than one of these until you find what works for you. But don’t worry because these methods are all natural and safe for you and your unborn baby.

•    Drink chamomile tea before bed
•    Avoid stimulants
•    Make sure your bedroom is as comfortable as can be using pillows, music, a fan or anything else that makes you more relaxed
•    Drink warm milk
•    Eat a half a bagel
•    Have your neck and shoulders massaged

These may sound too easy or even like old wives tales but they’ve been proven to work for many women and just may work for you too!

Stressed?

It’s perfectly natural to feel anxious or nervous when pregnant since this is a major event and one that will be life-changing. If you find that you’re having trouble keeping your anxiety in check you can always turn to a friend or loved one who’s been there and had a baby. Speaking to someone about what you’re feeling can really help to put things into perspective and talking to someone who has already been down the same road can be a huge comfort. Don’t forget that your doctor or midwife can also offer much reassurance and support, as can a support group. Talk about what you’re feeling and see how much better you’ll feel and sleep.