Can't Sleep?
During the day, pregnant women seem to fight fatigue, but at night many end up fighting sleeplessness, especially during the first and third trimesters. During the first trimester, sleepless nights can be the result of endless trips to the bathroom due to increased need to urinate or from symptoms of morning sickness. Excitement, anxiety, and worrying about becoming a new mother can also disrupt normal sleep patterns. During the third trimester, physical discomfort due to the size of the abdomen, heartburn, backaches, leg cramps, and anxiety can all be culprits.
Don't be alarmed if you experience sleep disturbances during your pregnancy. With all of the emotional and physical changes to deal with it is no surprise that a reported 78 percent of pregnant women experience sleep disturbances such as insomnia.
If you experience insomnia, it may help to take afternoon naps — but not so many that you find it hard to sleep at night — to drink warm milk, or to take a warm bath before bedtime. Find ways to relax yourself to sleep, such as yoga, meditation, guided imagery, or reading before bedtime. Make sure your bedroom is at a comfortable temperature and that it is dark and quiet. Regular exercise during the day can also help. Above all, don't worry or get yourself all worked up about not being able to get to sleep. That will only exacerbate the problem. Do what you can to relax and fall asleep. Do not take sleeping pills or other herbal remedies without talking to your doctor first. If you feel you have a serious sleep disorder, talk to your doctor.
