Pregnancy Insomnia Causes: Home Remedies And Prevention Of Insomnia

Posted on June 30, 2010 by PUP in Pregnancy & Childbirth

Question:

I am 5 months pregnant, and I think I am suffering from insomnia; I go to sleep around 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM.
My doctor told me that it’s ok but at least 8 hours of sleep is required. But all of my relatives and friends tell me that it is really bad, for me and for my baby.  Tell me what is true?

Answer:

Insomnia is relative inability to sleep, that consist of difficulty of falling asleep, early morning awakening or combination of these complaint. Insomnia in pregnancy is very common and many women are affected by insomnia.

Lack of proper sleep effects day time activities and gives rise to mental stress, headache and digestive problems. A sound sleep for normal hours is essential for the rest to the brain and other parts of body after a full day of various physical and mental activities.

Why do pregnant women suffer from insomnia?

What Causes Insomnia During Pregnancy?

There are many reasons which go hand in hand to cause this problem.

  • Anxiety related to pregnancy or any other problems causing anxiety.
  • Stress  and worries.
  • Changes occurring in the body during pregnancy can affect your sleep, some of this physical symptoms consist of frequent urination, back pain, growing size of stomach and leg cramps.
  • Overwork and over excitement.
  • Constipation, dyspepsia, overeating at night.
  • Often worrying about falling asleep is enough to keep you awake.
  • Improper sleeping bed.

Tips For Insomnia During Pregnancy

  • Light up some of your favorite scented candles.
  • Keep the room temperature most comfortable to you.
  • Avoid doing any work around the bed.
  • Listen to some relaxing music.
  • Make your sleeping mattress most comfortable while sleeping.

Home Remedies For Pregnancy Insomnia

  • Milk is very valuable in insomnia. A glass of milk sweetened with honey should be taken every night before going to bed to treat this condition.
  • Thiamine or vitamin B1 is very vital for strong and healthy nerves. A body starved of thiamine over a long period will be unable to relax and fall asleep naturally. Whole grain, cereals, and pulses are valuable sources of this vitamin.
  • Aniseed: tea prepared from aniseed is valuable in sleeplessness. This tea should be taken before retiring to bed.
  • Yoga and meditation are helpful in insomnia

Prevention Of Insomnia

  • Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol or large quantity of liquids before bedtime.
  • You should have caffeinated beverages in the morning or early afternoon only.
  • Just relax for an hour before retiring to bed.
  • If you are unable to sleep even after 20 minutes in bed, get up and do something.
  • Speak out your mind to someone if something is bothering you.
  • Eating heavy meals in the evening should be avoided.
  • Maintain a regular schedule of getting up and going to sleep.
  • Daytime naps should be avoided, except in few cases.

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