Pregnancy can make it difficult for women to get a good sleep. Frequent bathroom visits as well as heartburn are a few of the discomforts that can rob you of a good sleep. If you are someone who always like to sleep on your back, pregnancy may not allow you to do that. It is advised that you sleep on your side especially your left side to promote circulation. There are some steps you can take to help you have a enough sleep while pregnant.
How to get enough sleep during pregnancy
- practice relaxation exercises to reduce stress right before bedtime. You can try deep breathing . You can also take a warm bath or shower before sleeping
- use your bed for sleep. It shouldnt be a place where you go to watch TV or use your iPad. Keep the temperature of your room as comfortable as possible. You should also try to block out as much noise as you can. Try to establish a sleep schedule
- use pillows between your legs to support your back and abdomen. You can also use it to lift your upper body if you suffer from bad breathe
- go to bed earlier so that you can get as much sleep as you need
- avoid drinking fluids right before bedtime. Eat your last meal a few hours before bedtime to allow enough time for food to digest and to prevent heartburns
- stay active through exercises during the day to help improve sleep at night. Do not exercise too close to bedtime. It makes it difficult to sleep.
The basics of a good night sleep during pregnancy. Baby center. http://www.babycenter.com/0_the-basics-of-good-sleep-during-pregnancy_7820.bc?showAll=true. Accessed April 19, 2016
Need to catch up on your zzzz’s?. March of Dimes. http://newsmomsneed.marchofdimes.org/?cat=4&paged=3. Accessed April 19, 2016
Sleep problems in pregnancy. WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/pregnancy-insomnia. Accessed April 19, 2016