I really don’t understand why I am having trouble sleeping
now that I am pregnant.
There are a huge variety of reasons why people suffer from
insomnia and the insomnia that many women experience during
pregnancy is no exception. If you think about it there are
such massive changes happening in your body during this
time that it is not really surprising that you might be
suffering from disrupted sleep patterns.
The first thing to do is to make sure that you do not go
to bed unless you are really sleepy. You may need less sleep
than you think you do, and it’s the tossing and turning
while you worry about not sleeping that is exhausting you,
rather than the lack of sleep itself.
The second thing to do is to examine issues of sleep hygiene!
Are you very stressed when you flop into bed, with a stomach
full of supper? Do you watch TV in bed and feel too tired
to do any exercise?
Well all that has to change. A small amount of gentle exercise,
such as a 20 minute walk with the dogs, may be all it takes
to improve your sleep. Evening should be relaxing times
and all activities except sleeping and making love should
be banned from the bedroom. Try to eat earlier than usual
so that your stomach is not full when you go to bed, and
then have a small snack at bedtime to keep you going. Make
sure your bed is comfortable, quiet and well ventilated
without being draughty. Try having a routine in the evening
and include some kind of relaxation technique, such a meditation.
Do not resort to medication unless you have tried all these
suggestions and have consulted your doctor.
It all sounds so obvious, yet the solution to sleep problems
can be quite simple. Just give your body the best chance
you can of a good night’s sleep.
|