Pregnancy Discomforts

Insomnia
 

Almost everyone experiences sleeplessness at some point in their life - however now, unnecessary worrying about the baby, the baby moving about inside the womb, the difficulty in getting comfortable or from sheer physical discomforts, such as the need to pass urine more often, heartburn or nausea, counting sheep may become a favourite pastime. This lack of sleep causes irritability, inefficiency and depression, and it is recommended that if you are unable to rest during the day, that you work towards unwinding your body completely for a good night's rest.

Getting all the rest you need

Average sleep requirements differ greatly - whilst some seem to thrive on 5 hours, others 'just cannot' function with less than 8. Waking-up refreshed after a 6-hour nap, could indicate that this is the right amount of sleep for you as an individual, and there should be no cause for concern. Anxiety over the loss of sleep, makes it even harder to fall asleep, and so a vicious circle tends to develop - a few days with very little sleep will do no harm, as long as it does not affect your daily routine.

Try some of these suggestions for a more peaceful night:

• Avoid drinks containing caffeine, especially at night - Rooibos (Red Bush) or herbal tea is by far a healthier alternative.
• Avoid taking work-related material to bed with you, as well as any book containing suspense or vivid descriptions.
• Get your partner to give you a gentle, relaxing massage just before retiring.
• A glass of warm milk with a teaspoon of honey added helps induce sleep.
• Sexual intercourse at bedtime often has a relaxing effect.
• During pregnancy, especially the later stages, it may help to lie on your side with a pillow placed between your legs, under your knees or even under your hips.
• Experiment with different ways of making yourself comfortable, even if it is on the lounge floor.

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