Although you might feel more tired during pregnancy, that unfortunately doesn’t guarantee a full night of sleep. Disrupted sleep is a common symptom of pregnancy because of how your other pregnancy symptoms affect your sleep patterns.
What causes it?
As your little one grows, back pain and fetal movement can disrupt your sleep and make it difficult to get comfortable, fall asleep, or stay asleep. Other pregnancy symptoms like nausea, anxiety, leg cramps, heartburn, and frequent urination also contribute to this. If you already had issues with sleep apnea, pregnancy can make your symptoms worse.
Tips?
It can help to sleep on your left side during pregnancy. That way, your uterus doesn’t press down on your liver, which can be uncomfortable. Similarly, avoiding lying on your back can relieve pressure from your belly pressing down on other organs. Using pillows to support your head, back, abdomen, and knees can also make sleep more comfortable. Addressing other symptoms like frequent urination through avoiding water in the evening can also improve sleep.
Sources
- Mayo Clinic Staff. “Sleep during pregnancy: Follow these tips.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic. February 23, 2016. Web.
