Insomnia

Insomnia is having trouble sleeping - trouble falling asleep when you to go to bed or if you wake up in the middle of the night you have trouble falling back to sleep. Some unfortunate pregnant women suffer from both. Insomnia may be frustrating, but during pregnancy, it is also very normal. As many as 8 out of 10 pregnant women will suffer with this problem at one time or another.

Insomnia in the First Trimester
Insomnia during the first trimester of pregnancy is quite common. It is usually caused by the huge hormonal changes you are going through. Stress, excitement and frequent trips to the bathroom can also be blamed.

Insomnia Later In Pregnancy
Insomnia is less common during the second trimester of pregnancy. Most women find the second trimester to be the most enjoyable and most comfortable.

Insomnia, unfortunately, does tend to return during the third trimester. There are several reasons, but the most common is the discomforts that develop as your belly grows. It becomes more difficult to find a comfortable position to sleep and as your baby grows the pressure put on your bladder and other internal organs can cause not only discomfort but a need to visit the bathroom throughout the night.

Leg cramps are also another common complaint later in pregnancy and can make falling asleep nearly impossible. To help alleviate leg cramps: stretch your calf and leg muscles several times during the day and before bed, drink plenty of water, and if your physician/mid-wife gives the ok take a magnesium (or calcium/magnesium) supplement in addition to your prenatal vitamin. These supplements are proven beneficial in the treatment of leg cramps and usually begin to work fairly quickly and with continued use should reduce, if not eliminate leg cramps all together.

What Can I Do?
There are things you can do to help combat many pregnancy sleep issues.

Before you get into bed, make sure your room is a comfortable temperature for sleeping. Also be sure it is dark enough. Heavy or dark-coloured curtains can help keep out light and noise. If it takes longer than 20 to 30 minutes to fall asleep, sleep specialists recommend getting out of bed. You should do something quiet and relaxing. Read a dull book, listen to soft music, try some relaxing breathing exercises, meditate or take a warm shower or bath.

A good nights sleep during pregnancy is important for both mom and baby.

• Keep a regular evening routine and sleep schedule. Try go to bed and wake up at the same time every day (weekends included)
• Keep your caffeine intake as low as possible in the evenings or cut it out all together
• Avoid spicy or greasy foods, or foods you know will cause you heartburn or other discomforts before bed
• Use your bed for sleeping and love-making only (no TV or reading)
• Try not to take naps during the day or if you are really drained, try short naps or simple quiet resting
• Follow a regular exercise plan during your pregnancy even walking an extra 30 minutes a day will help

Most of all, try not to worry about not being able to fall asleep, the stress and anxiety will only make things worse! Remember, for most women insomnia is temporary.

If you have concerns about your insomnia, be sure to speak with your health care provider.

Comments for "Insomnia"

Have you experienced this symptom? Share your experiences.

	Comment from eat2nourish » Posted Jan. 25, 2015 9:53am I'm feeling the same way! Two trips to the bathroom & I'm only 5.5 wks preggers! I have to take a nap daily to compensate, But I wouldn't trade it for the world =).
	Comment from eat2nourish » Posted Jan. 23, 2015 3:03pm I'm feeling the same way! Two trips to the bathroom & I'm only 5w2d preggers! I have to take a nap daily to compensate.
	Comment from Hayley34 » Posted Nov. 25, 2013 8:18am I'm only 5 n half weeks pregnant and am finding it so hard to fall asleep at night and I wake up at least 3 times to go to the loo, by 5.30 am I'm wide awake is anyone else feeling the same?