Pregnancy can cause sleep discomforts .Some of the causes of sleep discomfort during pregnancy include the following :
- frequent urination
- hormonal changes
- increased size of the abdomen
- back pain
- heartburn
However there are various steps you can take to get a better sleep.
Tips to help you get a good sleep during pregnancy
- make your room comfortable for sleeping. Make the temperature of the room comfortable and play natural or soothing sounds
- try new sleeping positions. Lying on your left side is ideal for pregnant women. You can also tuck a pillow between your bent knees to support your lower back. Raise your head while sleeping by slipping extra pillows under the head of the mattress.
- drinking a cup of warm milk can help you sleep better at night . Eating a high protein snack such as egg before sleep is good to keep your blood sugar up during the night. This is a good option for those suffering from low blood sugar.
- take a warm bath and get a nice massage before bedtime
- exercise regularly during the day
- you can try relaxation techniques that you learned in child-birth classes
- it is good to have naps during the day when you are pregnant. However do not take long naps that will interfere with your evening sleep
It is better to avoid medications as much as possible during pregnancy. If these remedies don’t work and lack of sleep is affecting you, talk to your health care professional.He may prescribe some sleep medications for you.
Content Sources
Insomnia during pregnancy. American Pregnancy Association. http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/insomnia-during-pregnancy/. Accessed September 27, 2015
Sleep aids during pregnancy. Baby Center. http://www.babycenter.com/0_sleep-aids-during-pregnancy_7914.bc?showAll=true. Accessed September 27, 2015
Treatment of insomnia during pregnancy. Massachusetts General Hospital. http://womensmentalhealth.org/posts/treatment-of-insomnia-during-pregnancy/. Accessed September 27, 2015
Sleep aids during pregnancy. Baby Center. http://www.babycenter.com/0_sleep-aids-during-pregnancy_7914.bc?showAll=true. Accessed September 27, 2015
Treatment of insomnia during pregnancy. Massachusetts General Hospital. http://womensmentalhealth.org/posts/treatment-of-insomnia-during-pregnancy/. Accessed September 27, 2015