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Insomnia During Pregnancy
The Causes and the Cures of Insomnia
By Kelly Burgess
Insomnia is never a good thing, but when a woman is in the early stages of pregnancy, insomnia can make for long nights and tired days. In a recent poll conducted by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), 78 percent of women reported more disturbed sleep during pregnancy than at other times. Sleep-related problems also became more prevalent as the women's pregnancies progressed.
Dr. Jill Powell, assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health at St. Louis University School of Medicine, says she finds most sleep disturbances follow the pattern found in the NSF's poll. In other words, sleep problems can develop early on but usually aren't too bad and abate as the pregnancy progresses. Later, other issues can cause insomnia to reoccur.
The result is she may not be able to fall asleep that night, which then just sets in place a vicious cycle of exhaustion. To avoid this, Dr. Powell suggests trying to avoid long naps during the day. Try taking a walk or finding some other activity instead of sleeping. Go to bed at the same time every night; even if it's earlier than your "normal" pre-pregnancy schedule to get some extra sleep.
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Re: Insomnia During Pregnancy by anonymous on 12/20/2008 05:45AM
Try magnesia or a glass of warm milk.
Re: Insomnia During Pregnancy by anonymous on 12/17/2008 05:37AM
I had severe insomnia with my first two pregnancies. With my third I went for biweekly acupuncture and it saved me. Not only did it help me to sleep better, but it helped with many of my other previous pregnancy symptoms ie: headaches, bloating, swollen feet, acne and much more. I just found out that I am pregnant again and plan on going back to acupuncture because the insomnia is worse this time than before.
Re: Insomnia During Pregnancy by anonymous on 12/10/2008 06:40AM
To the lady who wrote she is nauseous all the time and suffering, and having insomnia too: Well it is 3:36 a.m. and I am writing this email and finding out about all my delicious pregnancy symptoms online, so you are not alone my dear. I just want to say that my heart goes out to you because I am now 12 weeks pregnant and my nausea/vomit has not eased. Misery looks for company, but that is not what I want to say here. As a mother of two I can tell you that in the end it will all be worth it. Of course you don't know that now because you don't have that perspective yet, but as you know, it all passes in life...even life itself. Try to stay as positive as you can, and remember that these are signs of a healthy pregnancy, or so they tell me.
Re: Insomnia During Pregnancy by Jackie on 12/08/2008 01:44AM
I am only 8 DPO but am experiencing insomnia VERY BAD! Could this be a sign of early pregnancy already? I've been TTC for 6 months now, so every month is a new psuedo symptom. LOL! Hope this one is it!
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Re: Insomnia During Pregnancy by anonymous on 12/21/2008 01:23PM
Well, I have one child and have been TTC a second time for 2 years. A very arduous journey. I just checked in to see if insomnia is part of early pregnancy as I am 9 days overdue, and the signs are encouraging. Last month and after having a blood test with being 7 days over, I got my period the next day, so am not going to rush in this time to do any tests. I had severe sickness for 9 months with my first. Only 8 vomit-free days, but still terribly nauseous, hospital visits for dehydration etc. I fear it happening again, but my little 3 1/-year-old daughter is worth every moment and another will be, too. I'm 45 going on 35 (LOL) and hope to conceive naturally, but it is soon time to quit trying, so fingers crossed and bring on the insomnia if that is what it takes. Hang in there those of you who are struggling. My heart goes out to you.