8 tips to get some sleep when you’re pregnant

Are you having trouble sleeping? Whether your trouble sleeping was a problem before you were pregnant or it’s new, the problem is you’re not getting the sleep that you need. But – now that you’re pregnant, trying to get that sleep brings on a whole new meaning since you can’t take some of the medications that you may normally.

1. Routine – try to always do the same things in the evening before bed. This tells your body that it’s time to start winding down.
2. Don’t eat too close to bedtime. This isn’t always easy if you’re very hungry, but if you need to eat around bedtime, make it a very light snack, rather than a heavy one that requires a lot of work for digestion.
3. Exercise, not not too close to bedtime. Exercise helps promote good sleep habits, but if you do it too close to bedtime, your body may be still reacting to the exercise rather than wanting to sleep.
4. Warm baths or showers may relax you.
5. Use your bedroom only for sleeping or sexual activity. Unless you’re on bedrest, don’t watch TV in your room, read, work, or do anything else other than what the room is meant for.
6. Make the room as dark and quiet as possible.
7. If you don’t fall asleep, don’t stay in bed and toss and turn. Get up, read, do something quiet and relaxing, and then try again later.
8. Avoid alcohol. Although women are usually advised against drinking alcohol during pregnancy, some do. However, if you are having trouble sleeping, alcohol may be contributing to this.

If all these tricks fail, speak with your doctor to see if there are any suggestions that you may have missed. You should not take any so-called natural products without checking with your healthcare professional because some of these natural products are still harmful to the baby. For example, melatonin, is a frequently used sleeping aid, but researchers and doctors don’t know what the high levels of melatonin will do to the baby (Melatonin in Pregnancy: Is it Safe?)

Image: Newscom

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