Have you been tossing around on your bed with sleep eluding you? Now that you are pregnant you need rest, and nothing like a good night’s sleep to help rejuvenate. It is quite common for pregnant women to suffer from insomnia at all stages of pregnancy.
What is meant by the term insomnia?
Insomnia is nothing but difficulty falling asleep. Sleep comes naturally to most people. Unfortunately, some people find it very difficult to go to sleep. Pregnant women keep complaining that they just can’t fall asleep. Though not very evident in the very early stages, sleeplessness plagues some women in the first and third trimesters. Blame it on the hormonal changes or the need for frequent visits to the bathroom. Some helpless women suffer from constipation and heartburn, which are also contributing factors. The only consoling fact is that although losing sleep is bad for the mother, it does not harm the fetus.
What are the main causes of insomnia while you’re pregnant?
There are several reasons that contribute to your sleeplessness, here are some commonly reported causes:
Frequent Urination
The need to get up and urinate frequently after going to bed is a major cause of insomnia. The sense of fullness urges you to get out of bed at the most ungodly of hours. Overactive bladder (OAB) is one of the major culprits, which affects close to 40 percent of the women in the United States.
Nausea and vomiting sensation
Pregnant women can experience nausea which can lead to violent episodes of vomiting. Being sick and throwing up are common in the initial stages of pregnancy or the first trimester. Eating smaller meals and keeping some soda crackers handy beside your bed can help overcome nausea.
Back Pain
Lumbago or lower back pain is also common with pregnant women. Back pain is common not just with pregnant women, in fact a whopping 85 percent of the Americans have experienced back pain at some time or the other. Pregnant women can go for soft massages but it is better to avoid pain killers.
Tender Breasts
Breast pain, also known as mastalgia occurs in most women in the menstrual age. However, back pain can plague pregnant women who won’t undergo periods after the pregnancy is confirmed. Hormonal imbalance can cause breast pain, and soft massaging is the only way to get relief.
Abdominal cramps and pain
Abdominal pain can be caused by mild infections in the stomach or intestines. If the abdominal pain or cramps persist, consult your doctor who will prescribe the correct remedy.
There are several other causes for insomnia. You may get nightmares or vivid dreams, which can make you lose sleep. Although this may not occur at frequent intervals, anxiety can be a contributing factor. Fretting and worrying about how you are going to manage work-life balance can also cause loss of sleep. The best course of action is to try to keep calm and tide over the crisis. Meditation should certainly help.
Practicing good sleeping habits and falling into a routine can help fight insomnia successfully. Try to have an early dinner and go to bed after a couple of hours. Listening to soft music just before going to bed can have a soothing effect and help get a sound night of sleep. Avoid watching TV continuously and try not to use your Smartphone more than required. All these can play havoc on the biological clock and affect the circadian rhythm, leading to perpetual insomnia.