Insomnia In Pregnancy

Insomnia in pregnancy is very common. Studies estimate that anywhere from 40% to 97% of women experience sleep challenges during pregnancy, especially during the first and third trimesters. Insomnia is defined by having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. With the variety of emotions that come along with being pregnant, add insomnia into the mix and it can make things even more challenging.

Causes of Insomnia In Pregnancy

Because there’s so much happening emotionally and physically during pregnancy, there are a number of factors that contribute to pregnancy-related insomnia. These include:

Nausea and vomiting
Having to urinate frequently at night
Back pain
Heartburn and acid reflux
Leg cramps
Restless leg syndrome
Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing during sleep
General discomfort, especially in the third trimester
Anxiety or stress

A couple of disorders that are important to identify as possible causes of insomnia are restless leg syndrome (RLS) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Both of these disorders can occur during pregnancy even if you didn’t have symptoms before, and lead to disturbed sleep and daytime fatigue.

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is also known as Willis-Ekbom disease and is typically related to low iron levels. There’s a higher demand for nutrients like iron during pregnancy, which puts women at risk of developing RLS during this time of life. RLS can cause an urge to move the legs at bedtime or a creepy-crawly sensation and make it hard to fall asleep.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep. During pregnancy, there can be swelling of the nasal passages and other changes in the airway related to hormonal or fluid shifts that put women at a higher risk of developing OSA. Some of the signs to look out for include snoring, your partner noticing that you stop breathing at night, or feeling excessively drowsy during the day.

Treating Insomnia In Pregnancy

Non-medication treatments are considered the safest option during pregnancy and are preferred by most women. A good place to start is with lifestyle changes, including:

Being consistent with a regular bedtime. This helps to regulate the circadian rhythm, or body clock.
Having a relaxing wind-down routine. This can include having a warm beverage, reading a book, taking a warm bath or shower (but not too hot because that can be harmful to the developing fetus)
Being active during the day by taking walks or doing light exercise
Staying hydrated during the day by drinking water, but reducing fluid intake before bedtime if it causes nocturnal urination.
Eating good quality, nourishing foods. Studies have shown that eating more fiber can help with sleep quality.
Use journaling, meditation, or talking to your friends, loved ones, or a therapist to help reduce anxiety.

Your sleeping environment is also important. Keep a calm, cool, clean, and comfortable bedroom to help you relax and sleep well. Use pillows to support your body so you can get into a comfortable position.

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is an effective treatment for chronic insomnia, and may also reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and fatigue during pregnancy. This can be done in person or online.

Related: Round Ligament Pain In Pregnancy

Do consider other underlying factors that might be disrupting your sleep like RLS, OSA, or heartburn. Supplementing with iron, folate, magnesium, and increasing your intake of nutrient-dense foods may help with RLS and overall energy. If you suspect OSA, talk to your doctor about getting a sleep study.

Sleep issues are highly treatable and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. If you have tried all of the above, have a conversation with your doctor to see what other options might be appropriate for you.

Sources:

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