It is not uncommon for Women to feel tired during pregnancy, mostly during the first trimester, even though they might need more sleep than they did before. Early symptoms of pregnancy, such as nausea, heartburn, indigestion, more toilet trips during the nights, and even the restless legs syndrome (RLS) can affect your pattern of sleep. However, some lifestyle changes may improve sleep during the first trimester, making you sleep just like a baby.
This post will help you understand the different sleep problems, and possible solutions to give you back your sleep during your first trimester.
Reasons for lack of sleep during the first trimester
Your body undergoes many changes that interrupt your sound or normal sleep. National Sleep Foundation had a Survey in 1998 on women and slept, and reported that 78% of women reported having sleep disturbances when pregnant more than other occasions. Here are the signs that obstruct sleep during your early pregnancy stages.
- Feeling sleepy all the time
During your first trimester, you’d feel very tired and sleepy, mostly during the day. The increase in hormonal progesterone causes this sudden change in your sleep patterns. This hormone regulates the reproductive cycle of women which causes drowsiness. The thermogenic or heat producing effects and soporific (sleep-inducing) effect of progesterone brings about fatigue and sleep earlier on and the false idea of having flu.
A study “The Longitudinal Changes in Sleep Architecture during Pregnancy and Childbirth” by Dr. Lee noted that total sleep time increases in the first trimester, but is of poor quality because the pregnant woman constantly wakes up. There is also a reduction in a deep sleep when compared to pre-pregnancy. Most women complained of drowsiness, fatigue, and also depression.
- An increased Frequency of urinating
The hormone, progesterone is also partly responsible for the incessant urinary urgency. The inhibitory hormonal effects on smooth muscle stimulate this urge. As the pregnancy progresses, the increasing level of the bump also exerts pressure on your bladder and thus increases the frequency of urination. It makes you often wake up ease yourself, and this disturbs your sleep.
Solution
If you’re tired of visiting the bathroom, do not attempt to reduce fluid consumption. Instead, take more drinks during the day and less before your bedtime. You should also drink less or cut off caffeine drinks, such as tea, coffee, and the cola drinks.
- Physical changes accompanied by Discomfort
During pregnancy, you have sensitive and painful breasts which makes comfortable sleep quite difficult. For those who prefer to lie on their stomach, it is less comfortable as your belly begins to grow.
Solution
Try your best to sleep on your side, and this is also an ideal position for feeding your child. Also be sure to wear a bra that is suitable for the new development or growing of your breasts. You can use a sports bra that feels comfortable or a maternity bra while you sleep and use a pillow to support the sore breasts. If the pain or soreness in the breast interrupts your sleep too much, you might need to see your doctor who may prescribe acetaminophen, FDA Pregnancy Category C drug.
The reasons why you can’t sleep are not limited to these, but we have limited the list to these three reasons for simplicity and ease. Stick with this blog to get more as time goes on.
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