Useful Tips for Sleep and Pregnancy

It is not uncommon to grapple with sleep restlessness during pregnancy. There could be many reasons for these sleep distur- bances. Along with heightened anticipation for your newborn baby,physical and hormonal changes may occur, which could be contribut- ing to your sleeplessness. As you progress into your pregnancy, comfortable sleep positions may become more difficult. You may also find that you will need to empty your bladder more frequently.

However, be encouraged. Help has arrived! Read these useful tips for improved sleep during pregnancy and for the important rest your body needs at this time in your life.

1. Mood Preparation- Set the proper mood through the use of soft lighting, a warm non-caffeinated beverage, warm bath or good book. Experiment to see what helps you relax.

2. Massage- A massage by your partner or friend is a good way to unwind and prepare for sleep. If you have older children, maybe they can get into the fun of a massage.

3. Surround Yourself In Water- Dr. Michael Foley, M.D.- Medical Director Phoenix Perinatal Associates, refers to this as sub- total immersion therapy. Here's what Dr. Foley has to say; "Being immersed into water up to your neck and just sitting there or performing exercise provides many physiologic advantages to a pregnant mom. The water acts to push fluid underneath the skin back into the intravascular space thereby reducing swelling and edema. This is a perfect way to help reduce the swollen feet and legs that often accompany late pregnancy! The aches and pains of the musculoskeletal system in late pregnancy often contribute to poor sleeping."

4. Nap During The Day- Gain some additional rest and relaxation by taking a nap. - 5. Reduce Anxiety- Stress can be one of the biggest issues for obtaining a good night's sleep. If you have issues in your life that are causing you to worry, seek out a friend or a professional for help. Less stress will certainly bring more comfortable sleep nights.

6. Use Comfort Aids- Gentle Air has a port- able patented maternity air bed that is made just for expectant moms who are losing sleep or cannot get enough rest. This unique portable air bed allows a pregnant women to sleep either on her stomach or her side. It has an adjustable middle pillow section if you are a stomach sleeper. If you are having hip or lower back pains, you can sleep in a semi-seated posi- tion with or without an extra pillow between your legs or under your knee. There are also special pregnancy body pillows and maternity belts on the market that you can try to help support your body for extra comfort.

7. Seek Help-Visit your doctor for assistance if continued sleep problems occur. It is especially important during this time to get as much sleep or rest as possible.

8. Exercise- Always get your physician's approval first, but exercise will certainly help with improved circulation. This also helps to reduce night leg cramps, thus improving sleep. Exercise done earlier in the day is best so that you are not kept awake at night. Check out your local yoga studios. Many now offer pre-natal yoga classes.

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