Sleeping problems during pregnancy are common for many women. Fortunately, there are some tips pregnant women can follow to get better quantity and quality of sleep every night.
A recent article by Yahoo Parenting with the help of sleep experts Sam Sugar, MD, director of MedCheck and Sleep Health Programs at the Pritikin Longevity Center + Spa in Miami, and Matthew Mingrone, MD, lead physician at Eos Sleep in San Francisco details the different ways of getting better sleep for pregnant women.
One of the best ways for pregnant women to get better sleep is by avoiding late-night snacks or snacks eaten two hours before sleep. Avoiding midnight snacks can help prevent acid reflux and heartburn, which can keep pregnant women awake and feeling uncomfortable.
Another tip is to sleep sideways to reduce the amount of pressure on the uterus, which will help make breathing better, reduce back pain, and transport nutrients to the fetus.
Propping the head and upper body a few inches with the use of a firm pillow can also help the quality of sleep by allowing the pregnant woman to breathe easier and better.
Instead of tossing and turning while trying to fall asleep, pregnant women can try to get up and do something relaxing to pass the time like reading a book which can help calm the mind.
Pregnant women should also make sure that their bed is very comfortable, their naps will not last longer than 30 minutes, the room temperature is just right, they keep away from external stimulation, keep the bed for sleeping and sexual intercourse only, and to make sure that the room is dark and quiet.
According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine or AASM, sleeping problems during pregnancy can cause depression, moodiness, attention problems, memory difficulties, nighttime falls, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes.
