Pregnancy Insomnia! Help!

Pregnancy Insomnia! Help! (Full Version)

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trippingdaisy -> Pregnancy Insomnia! Help! (6/17/2006 12:39:52 AM)
Okay, seriously. If there are any mothers out there, i need advice! i'm currently 18 weeks pregnant. Not only is this kid starting to give me constant indigestion, but...insomnia. Horrible insomnia. i will go to sleep, and sleep fitfully for 2-3 hours. Then, i will wake up, and toss and turn for literally another three or four hours. i will usually sleep for another 20 minutes before my bladder screams at me to wake up. i've never had such an urge to go to the bathroom. i know it's the kid and the way he or she is situated, and pressing on the bladder, but MY GOD. Anyway. my question isn't about the bladder issues. i know i can't stop that..it's just going to happen. i'm wondering if anyone out there has any non-medication suggestions on how to deal with sleeplessness. Thank you!

timeoutgurlie -> RE: Pregnancy Insomnia! Help! (6/17/2006 1:06:22 AM)
Sorry to hear about the insomnia, I suffer with it and have for most of my life, far back as I can remember anyhow, it's terrible. There was a topic about insomnia recently, shouldn't be hard to find if you use the search feature. Not sure that it dealt with insomnia as a side effect to pregnancy, but there were drug-free suggestions in there, so it should give you some help till people start to reply. Best luck [:D]

Rule -> RE: Pregnancy Insomnia! Help! (6/17/2006 2:27:34 AM)
Perhaps you will have a few minutes more sleep if you change your sleeping surface. For example, I use a slightly inflated air mattrass. An indian hammock is also a possibility, but be sure that you use it in the proper way, i.e. lie in it at a 45 degree angle to the hammock, so that you lie horizontally.

BlkTallFullfig -> RE: Pregnancy Insomnia! Help! (6/17/2006 2:34:48 AM)
I had terrible indigestion while pregnant from about 16 weeks on, and took beaucoup tums and carafate for it, because the fire in my stomach/esophagus would awaken me from sleep. In fact the last 2 weeks of pregnancy, I sneaked in a couple of prescription stomach med doses because it was so horrible. In addition to that I couldn't sleep with the very active kid kicking me every time I slept for more than one hour, and I had to go to the bathroom every other hour... I'm sorry I don't know good non drug involved ways to help you sleep. So I will look for the insomnia thread, and suggest you speak to your obstetrician about possible solutions to this. http://www.collarchat.com/m_203853/mpage_1/key_insomnia/tm.htm#204255 Best of luck, [sm=flowers.gif] M

pahunkboy -> RE: Pregnancy Insomnia! Help! (6/17/2006 4:25:58 AM)
yikes. Times that get real bad- like that no way can I sleep. I will get up...put on coffee... and be awake. [they] discourage sleeping pills....

feastie -> RE: Pregnancy Insomnia! Help! (6/17/2006 4:29:59 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: trippingdaisy Okay, seriously. If there are any mothers out there, i need advice! i'm currently 18 weeks pregnant. Not only is this kid starting to give me constant indigestion, but...insomnia. Horrible insomnia. i will go to sleep, and sleep fitfully for 2-3 hours. Then, i will wake up, and toss and turn for literally another three or four hours. i will usually sleep for another 20 minutes before my bladder screams at me to wake up. i've never had such an urge to go to the bathroom. i know it's the kid and the way he or she is situated, and pressing on the bladder, but MY GOD. Anyway. my question isn't about the bladder issues. i know i can't stop that..it's just going to happen. i'm wondering if anyone out there has any non-medication suggestions on how to deal with sleeplessness. Thank you! You can try changing sleeping locations...maybe in a recliner. I wish I could say that it worked for me, but it didn't. Also, if you're feeling sleepy and can take a few minutes for a cat nap at any time, go right ahead! I just always told myself that my body was preparing me for those nights after the baby came and needed feeding every couple of hours!

talibahh -> RE: Pregnancy Insomnia! Help! (6/17/2006 5:45:05 AM)
First of all trippingdaisy, congratulations on your pregnancy... [:D] Now i know its not much consulation, but the sleepless nights are mother natures way of preparing you for the nightime feeds. [:(] At 18 weeks your baby is formed and the lungs are maturing and baby is gaining weight, but still taking anything is not advised without first speaking to either your midwife or obstetrician, who knows all of your history, etc. Stear clear of caffeine... its a stimulant. And try not to drink too much before bedtime as yes, your bladder is smaller due to the growing uterus and growing baby. This also is partially the reason for heartburn... the growing baby and uterus displaces your organs some, to make room. For the heartburn, try and avoid eating/drinking anything too acidic, or in large amounts... smaller amounts more often are better. Now for the sleeplessness at night... i used to try and go to bed a little earlier, then when i woke and couldnt get back to sleep, i used it as a time for me... i got up and enjoyed the peace and stillness of the night, and embroidered or read for an hour or so, and then when i got sleepy,i went back to bed. The other thing to do, is to have lots of naps, if you can... especially as your pregnancy advances and you begin to feel more tired... naps in the afternoon are great [;)]... Unfortunately, the only cure for many of the discomforts of pregnancy is the birth of the baby, not much of a positive i know, but realistic.... take heart, you are not the only one... i used to take comfort in knowing my friend who was due the same time as me, was going through the same as me... And the sleepless nights wont be cured by the birth of the baby [:(]... the little taccas still gotta be fed [&:] ... i know its hard... lack of sleep is one of the hardest things to deal with in pregnancy and motherhood... [:o] i wish you a happy and healthy pregnancy and safe birth...[:)] hugs and again congratulations, tali PS... and dont listen to the horror stories women feel obliged* to tell you cause you are pregnant... every pregnancy and birth is different and unique [;)]*

darkinshadows -> RE: Pregnancy Insomnia! Help! (6/17/2006 5:50:30 AM)
Hi daisy. Have you tried one of those V cushions? I found it was indespensible. It also helps to keep you elevated with indigestion. It is great when the bump grows for positioning too. Indigestion is helped by drinking milk before you sleep - and I used gaviscon like it was on tap - I do not know if you had that in the states - but it is safe to use in pregnancy. Caffine is one to avoid as it isnt helpful to sleep, the bladder or indigestion. Be careful of any aromatherapy - there are many scents you should not use when pregnant - like lavender (especially in the early stages) as some can be over simulating and cause contractions. If your getting leg cramps that could be lack of potassium... check with your doctor on that. Peace and Rapture

NakedOnMyChain -> RE: Pregnancy Insomnia! Help! (6/17/2006 6:00:06 AM)
Congrats on your pregnancy! I'm seven-and-a-half months pregnant now, and let me tell you, I know where you're coming from. Toss, turn, roll over, get up and pee, stare at the ceiling, toss some more, sleep for half an hour, repeat. Just got done doing that, actually. The only thing I've found that really worked for me is to make sure I'm good and tired, not just sleepy, but really tired right before I go to bed. If I'm just drowsy, I sleep more lightly and wake up at the drop of a dime. If you're truly ready for sleep, you'll get it. Consider a vigorous exercise routine midafternoon if it's a possibility (check with your doctor first), and up your general activity level. Also, make sure your sleeping environment is conducive to sleep. Take out the distractions: TV's, stereos, computers, and even books if they're a problem. This helps acclimate your body to the fact that your bedroom is for sleep. Other than that, try to unwind however you can for a little while before bed. Good luck!

MadameMarque -> RE: Pregnancy Insomnia! Help! (6/17/2006 6:01:02 AM)
Oh, yes, if you can't get fully rested, it does you in, for the day/night. I would highly recommend a Chinese doctor - that is, a doctor of Chinese medicine. Chinese herbs are especially good at dealing with all the health issues that are touched upon by your pregnancy, the hormonal changes, insomnia, and may even have some help for your need for frequent urination. If prescribed by a good doctor, they should have no side effects, either. Go to a well-recommended doctor of Chinese medicine (also called Doctor of Oriental Medicine - DOM, ha) - not all doctors are equal. If you like, I'd be happy to recommend a specific doctor. He's in Seattle, WA, but he sends herbal formulas all over the world. I never knew, till realizing this about him, that this was possible. But he keeps getting good word of mouth, and people contact him from all over the world. He was trained, in China, as both a doctor of western, allopathic medicine and a doctor of Chinese medicine, including herbal medicine and acupuncture. I can tell you that he's very effective. Just send me a message, if you'd like a referral. Wishing you a comfortable, healthy pregnancy and all blessings to your child and you and yours.

pahunkboy -> RE: Pregnancy Insomnia! Help! (6/17/2006 6:06:05 AM)
My sister is expecting her 1st. She seems to think- the day it is due- is the day her baby will be born. Even worse is her hubby- wanting the perfect home. Everything soon changes.... I just observe. Im happy being the uncle. :-)

NakedOnMyChain -> RE: Pregnancy Insomnia! Help! (6/17/2006 6:16:06 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: MadameMarque Oh, yes, if you can't get fully rested, it does you in, for the day/night. I would highly recommend a Chinese doctor - that is, a doctor of Chinese medicine. Chinese herbs are especially good at dealing with all the health issues that are touched upon by your pregnancy, the hormonal changes, insomnia, and may even have some help for your need for frequent urination. If prescribed by a good doctor, they should have no side effects, either. Go to a well-recommended doctor of Chinese medicine (also called Doctor of Oriental Medicine - DOM, ha) - not all doctors are equal. If you like, I'd be happy to recommend a specific doctor. He's in Seattle, WA, but he sends herbal formulas all over the world. I never knew, till realizing this about him, that this was possible. But he keeps getting good word of mouth, and people contact him from all over the world. He was trained, in China, as both a doctor of western, allopathic medicine and a doctor of Chinese medicine, including herbal medicine and acupuncture. I can tell you that he's very effective. Just send me a message, if you'd like a referral. Wishing you a comfortable, healthy pregnancy and all blessings to your child and you and yours. And of course talk to your OB/GYN first before taking any random herbs. There are many that can be harmful in small doses or if taken improperly.

Arpig -> RE: Pregnancy Insomnia! Help! (6/17/2006 6:48:16 AM)
I am not pregnant, nor have I ever been (no shit Sherlock!!), however I lived through my ex-wife's 3 pregnancies, and I have been an insomniac for over 30 years, so I feel somewhat qualified to answer. Short answer....nothing that is safe to use during pregnancy will really help much....sorry. That being said, there are a few things that are useful. Milk is good for the indigestion (assuming you aren't intolerant), and this one surprised me...turkey. Think how sleepy you get after thanksgiving dinner...there is a substance (the name of which escapes me) in poultry that makes us sleepy, and turkey has the most of it, so a turkey sandwich and glass of milk has a chance of helping you get to sleep. As far as chinese medicine, I have found "Pearl pills" help somewhat, but I have no idea what is in them, or if they are safe to use during pregnancy. And if all else fails, there is always C-SPAN.

trippingdaisy -> RE: Pregnancy Insomnia! Help! (6/17/2006 8:18:17 AM)
Thanks to everyone so much for their help! quote: ORIGINAL: Arpig Short answer....nothing that is safe to use during pregnancy will really help much....sorry. i'm hoping that some of these suggestions work. My ob/gyn actually gave me a prescription of Ambien, which he said that if not used in excess, is safe during pregnancy...and it is as safe as any medication can be (tylenol, the like). It's class B. It's nigh on impossible to find ANY class A drug. i'm wondering if they exist. (for more information on the classes of the drugs for pregnancy/breastfeeding, visit http://www.safefetus.com) my issue is that i don't want to become dependant on it. i used to take trazodone for sleep, and i know that that isn't habit forming, but it's also a class C drug. i'm already on one of those, i don't need another! i do attept naps during the day, and it occasionally works. i also have sciatica (which came during pregnancy, and i'm hoping with leave with it!) so a vigorous exercise routine, while ok with my doc, is more painful than helpful. i'm also pretty sure that the sciatica doesn't cause it, since it's sitting and standing that exascerbate that, and it feels better while lying down. i have yet to be kept up by the indigestion, but i'm sure it will happen. i've been eating Tums like they're candy, and my doc did say that i could take ...something similar to galviscon. So i may actually do that...thanks! quote: ORIGINAL: MadameMarque I can tell you that he's very effective. Just send me a message, if you'd like a referral. Thanks so much for the suggestion and the offer! i'll talk to my ob about the suggestions You made, and when know for sure, i'll definitely get back to You about this. Thanks again everyone!

mistoferin -> RE: Pregnancy Insomnia! Help! (6/17/2006 8:35:34 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Arpig Milk is good for the indigestion (assuming you aren't intolerant), and this one surprised me...turkey. Think how sleepy you get after thanksgiving dinner...there is a substance (the name of which escapes me) in poultry that makes us sleepy, and turkey has the most of it, so a turkey sandwich and glass of milk has a chance of helping you get to sleep. The thing in turkey that makes you sleepy is an amino acid called L-Tryptophan. It is also found in warm milk. You can buy it online or in health food stores also as a supplement. It works by aiding your bodies production of serotonin. You may wish to try some papaya enzyme for your indigestion. It is also available from most health food stores.

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