Insomnia Relief During Pregnancy

Caffeine Dilemma

Most pregnant women are advised to avoid caffeine even though it is relatively safe in moderate amounts. If you have been drinking coffee regularly before your pregnancy and then cut it out completely, you can actually disturb your sleep routine. My best advice to my clients is to reduce the amount of caffeine you consume slowly during the first few weeks of your pregnancy and gradually include a cup of chamomile or lemon balm tea before going to bed to make the process easier and promote better sleep.

Bedtime Routine

Creating a proper bedtime routine is essential for mothers long before the baby is born. Try to create a “nursery” environment for yourself, and put yourself to bed just as you would a child. Soft, comfortable bedding, a dark, quiet room and a regular bedtime are essential to combat insomnia during pregnancy.

* Do not eat heavy meals or drink lots of fluids before bedtime

* Arrange pillows behind or under your abdomen to support proper breathing and alignment during the night

* White noise or soft music is great for drifting to sleep – like a lullaby

* Write in a journal; put your anxiety to bed so it doesn’t keep you up

* Take a warm bath with 10 drops lavender essential oil; soak up to twenty minutes

While plenty of rest is important while you’re pregnant, you don’t have to force yourself to sleep if you really are not tired. I recommend doing a relaxing activity to keep your mind off how you’re not sleeping, and allow your mind to settle. No wonder every mom is supposed to knit baby booties!

Even though having insomnia while you’re pregnant can be exhausting, it usually doesn’t last. If you put some of this into practice now, you and your baby will rest well long after the pregnancy is over. Sweet dreams.

Author

This article was written for Insights-on-Health.com in Nov 2013 by Vicki Wiepking. Vicki is a 2008 graduate of The McKay Method School of Energy Healing in Bozeman, MT, and a certified Flower Essence Practitioner. She is the owner of Rasa Deva Wellness in Bozeman, where she offers a unique combination of energy healing, flower essences and essential oils to her clients. Vicki currently teaches energy healing classes at both the McKay Method and HealthWorks Institute.

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