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Signs & Symptoms

Insomnia During Pregnancy

The Causes and the Cures of Insomnia

By Kelly Burgess

38 Comments View all >

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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.

In the first trimester, insomnia is relatively common and is caused by the hormonal changes of pregnancy. Dr. Powell says there are a couple of reasons for this. "Early in pregnancy women tend to feel very fatigued because of what I call the progesterone phenomenon," says Dr. Powell. "Progesterone is a natural sedative, and a woman may be so tired she has this sensation of not being able to keep her eyes open. She may react by napping during the day or falling asleep on the couch after work. This then gets her out of her normal sleep patterns."


	In the first trimester, insomnia is relatively common.

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.

In addition to hormonal changes, Dr. Powell notes there is often a lot of anxiety in the first trimester. A woman may have concerns about her health or the baby's health and may worry about miscarriage. There may even be more specific reasons for anxiety, such as financial worries if the pregnancy was unplanned. For this type of emotion-related insomnia, Dr. Powell suggests trying to find someone to talk to who may help ease your worries, such as a friend, clergyman or your doctor.

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WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT...

Insomnia During Pregnancy

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Anonymous says

16 hours, 25 minutes ago

I have had insomnia for the past 3 years and have been on prescription sleep aides. I recently got pregnant and since I have not been able to take my aides have not slept more than 4 hours a night for a week! I am desperate for a good nights sleep and am worried this could affect the health of the baby!

stella says

2 weeks, 6 days ago

wow! now I know why I can't sleep! I just found out I was pregnant last week. I haven't been able to get to sleep before 2 for the last few days. I wouldn't mind it so much if I didnt have to get up take care of my 1 year old.

Not Sleeping` says

3 weeks, 1 day ago

Well, at 37 weeks it is not any better. I slept fine up until 35 weeks. Now I am up at 2am every morning and cannot go back to sleep. I figure it is just getting ready for all those 2 to 3 hour feeding regiments once baby is here. I usually just get up and read, drink milk and try to go back to bed when tired.

Colorado says

October 18, 2009

I am about 18 weeks along and have been not been able to sleep for about 16 weeks. I have tried all the tricks that my doctor told me. I am taking a sleep aid but last night got about two hours. I understand when you question how can you take care of a baby when you are this tired. I feel like I shouldn't drive my car at this rate. We have to keep pushing along and know that there will be an end in sight.
Has anyone had insomnia during pregnancy and then once the baby is born went back? I know everyone says you don't sleep once the baby is born but not an insomnia like lack of sleep.

Thank you everyone who is sharing. I appreciate having another place to go.

Anonymous says

October 15, 2009

yep. That's me, too. Between 2 and 4 I'm awake, like clockwork. I find what helps is to have a snack and read out on the couch for a little bit, and then go back to bed. This process can take an hour out of my night, but it's better than watching the clock for 2 to 3 hours that's for sure!

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