When it comes to pregnant women, one of the biggest challenges is sleep, and pregnancy insomnia can be a major problem. Fortunately, there are plenty of remedies to help cope with this sleeping deprivation during your pregnancy. One way to deal with it is to make sure you are getting enough rest on a regular basis, preferably every two to three days. But what kind of rest is best?
Rest is helpful, especially for those of us who get up several times a night, but unfortunately not enough rest makes all the difference. So how can you ensure that your pregnancy goes smoothly and without the menace of pregnancy insomnia? There are some things that just don’t work:
Going back in time. While this may sound counterproductive, some pregnant women experience back pain during their pregnancy. This isn’t abnormal, but the fact is that it’s more complicated than just a backache. Pregnant women experience growing baby inside of them, and they need all the support they can get. Unfortunately, the growing baby can also put a lot of pressure on the spine, which can cause pregnancy insomnia.
Sleeping in a tub. Although it sounds crazy, a lot of women have been tempted to sleep in a swimming pool during their pregnancy. While this might sound like a good idea, most swimming pools don’t allow you to lay flat, and many pregnant women have problems with leg cramps and gas buildup when they lay their head down in the water. This type of pregnancy insomnia can also lead to severe breathing problems during sleep, which can be dangerous for both the mother and the growing baby. A better alternative is to lie down on your back in a comfortable position, and to get yourself a fan or air conditioner to help circulate the air in your room. Getting air into your lungs is always a good idea.
Going to bed at random times. Another common cause of pregnancy insomnia is going to bed too early, especially when you’re nearing the time that your baby is due. If you are always going to go to bed at the same time, either before or after you’ve gotten up, you run the risk of not sleeping well at night, and this can seriously affect your overall health during your pregnancy.
Eating disorders. There are many women who suffer from a severe diet disorder when they are pregnant. This can cause many women to have a hard time falling asleep, which is one of the most common causes of pregnancy insomnia. While many women find that they can control the amount of caffeine they have, there are some who find that they are unable to sleep at all. Asking your doctor about any problems you might be having can help you figure out if you are suffering from a mood disorder, and can prevent many problems as you are pregnant.