Pregnancy-related insomnia is particularly distressing. Worrying only serves to exacerbate the problem.
With each passing week, your belly grows, making it harder to sleep soundly. It’s possible that you’ll experience frequent urges to urinate or find that lying down causes you discomfort.
Pregnancy-related heartburn is another common cause of sleep disruption.
Feeling exhausted is normal during pregnancy and will not harm either you or your baby.
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Causes for Sleep Change During Pregnancy
Insomnia during pregnancy can be caused by a variety of factors.
Hormonal changes in the first trimester make it hard to get asleep and stay asleep because of general discomfort, various problems, and other issues. Examples of such things could be:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Soreness in the Breasts
- fast beating of the heart
- Breathlessness
- Increased body temperature
- Urinating repeatedly during the night.
- Having cramps in your legs
Pregnant women sometimes find it difficult to get comfortable as their bellies expand, and back pain is a common complaint, especially after the baby begins to kick in the night.
Your mind may be racing because of anxiety about the impending labor, being a new mother, balancing work and home duties, or any number of other things.
Many pregnant women, especially in the third trimester, report having intense, unsettling dreams, which can further disrupt their already poor sleep.
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Dysfunction of sleep during pregnancy
Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and acid reflux disease are quite common among pregnant women.
1. Sleep Apnea
Many pregnant women develop snoring due to weight increase and nasal congestion, which may contribute to hypertension.
Occlusive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder that can affect women and is characterized by snoring, gasping, and frequent interruptions in breathing during sleep. Preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and the need for a cesarean section are all conditions that may be made worse by OSA in pregnant women.
It is estimated that one in five pregnant women will experience this.
2. Heartburn
Most pregnant women have heartburn, a kind of indigestion that shows as a burning sensation in the chest and neck, at some point during their pregnancies.
The discomfort of heartburn in the middle of the night can disrupt even the best night’s sleep. Avoiding spicy foods can help reduce the risk. You should also limit your intake of fatty foods at night.
Contact a doctor near you and get an instant medical opinion.
3. Restless Legs Syndrome and Pregnancy
Older people are more likely to suffer from restless legs syndrome (RLS), characterized by an overwhelming compulsion to move the legs at rest.
However, it’s also one of the most common causes of insomnia in pregnant women.
It’s common for RLS to strike in the evening, right before bedtime. It’s unpleasant, but there is a bright side:
Anemia, which is frequent in pregnant women, has been related to RLS. Have a conversation with your doctor about taking prenatal vitamins and supplements, like folic acid and iron, to manage your anemia.
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4. Morning sickness
Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy are commonly called “morning sickness,” but can strike at any time and is generally more severe in the afternoon or evening.
To help you get to sleep when feeling nauseous, try eating some crackers before bed and keeping more nearby.
What works wonders with insomnia during early pregnancy?
The quality of your sleep during pregnancy can be improved by following a few easy steps.
- Create a routine that helps you wind down at bedtime.
- Maintain a consistent schedule of sleeping and waking.
- As much as possible, turn off all electronic devices at least one hour before night. If that’s not an option, at least reduce the brightness of your screen and try to avoid direct sunlight.
- Your intake of caffeine should be reduced.
- To get a good night’s sleep, skip the big supper. Reduce your nighttime water intake if you find yourself getting up to urinate too often.
- Prop your head up on a pillow as you sleep to reduce sleep-related breathing difficulties.
- To lessen the likelihood of cramping in your legs, drink plenty of water. Try to sleep on your side
- The weight of the uterus, while you lie on your back, can place a lot of strain on your spine and back muscles. If you do wake up on your back, though, that’s nothing to worry about.
- It’s best to rest your head on some pillows. Properly arranged pillows can make a world of difference when trying to relax. Place a pillow beneath your tummy or in the space between your bent legs to help you relax.
Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Mind
Taking care of yourself is an important part of doing what’s best for your baby. If prioritizing self-care means canceling certain plans, that’s okay.
Those who continue to work during the first trimester may feel increased pressure to perform at work and at home. Short breaks to get some mild stretching in or take a quick stroll during the workday could be just what you need to get some relief.
When you exercise on a regular basis, you reduce feelings of exhaustion and find it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Both yoga and swimming can be modified to meet the needs of pregnant women. Prenatal massages, writing in a notebook, meditation, guided meditation, deep breathing, and other relaxation techniques can all help some expectant mothers feel better.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to find stress-relieving strategies that work for you and to ask for help when you need it. It will get better before it gets worse, so try not to worry.
Most pregnant women are able to get some extra shut-eye during the second trimester, before the home stretch.
Conclusion
Trouble sleeping is quite typical throughout pregnancy. Researchers have found that a pregnant woman’s sleep pattern might be disrupted by the hormonal changes and the discomforts of the third trimester.
Consult best gynecologist if you’re having difficulties sleeping while you’re pregnant.
FAQs
1. What provokes sleepless nights during pregnancy?
Hormonal changes are one possible cause of insomnia in the first trimester. During pregnancy, sleeplessness affects a large percentage of women.
Treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation exercises, and improved sleep hygiene.
2. How lack of sleep affects pregnancy
Women who don’t get enough sleep during pregnancy may have a higher risk of certain pregnancy problems, according to recent studies.
- Gestational hypertension, or heart problems
- The development of diabetes during pregnancy
- Extended labor and higher rates of cesarean section
3. How long does sleeplessness during pregnancy often last?
Since insomnia and interrupted sleep can strike at any time during pregnancy, you may find yourself unable to get to sleep for weeks or months with no relief in sight.
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