Pregnancy & Insomnia

Guest Author - Moss Greene

Insomnia during pregnancy is fairly common. No matter how tired and exhausted you may be, getting enough sleep can sometimes be a challenge.

To set the stage for restful sleep, start winding down your day at least an hour before bedtime. Eliminate all stimulating activities and conversations. Make it a rule - no phone calls and no TV. It’s especially a bad idea to watch all of the reported world disasters that are the usual focus of the ten o’clock news. Instead, it’s a better idea to take a warm herbal bath by candlelight. In other words, relax before going to bed.

If you wake during the night, whether it’s to go to the bathroom or in response to your baby’s movements, and you can’t get back to sleep, just lie in bed and rest. Relaxation is just as important as sleep. Consider keeping a small snack – a cup of plain yogurt, whole grain crackers or maybe some almonds – nearby in case you get hungry. A relaxing book might also be a good idea. Or you could always get up and do something (not too stimulating though). And be sure to take snaps (short naps) any time you can during the day.

But, most importantly, don’t fight insomnia. Getting anxious about losing sleep only creates more sleeplessness. And don’t take any sleeping pills – that could be dangerous for your baby. The best thing you can do is just accept it and let it be. As with all things –“This too shall pass.”

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Note: The information contained on this website is not intended to take the place of medical advice. Any attempt to diagnose or treat a condition should come under the direction of a qualified practitioner.