24 weeks and insomnia

[Anonymous]

I just can't sleep. I'm somewhat uncomfortable but I don't think that's it. I have a lot on my mind these days--financial issues, child care, ill close relative, etc... I'm tired, sometimes exhausted and yet I don't sleep. Any suggestions on how to relax or any safe sleep aid (food, herbs, etc.) TIA!

[Anonymous]

I'm in the same boat at 25 weeks. I can usually fall asleep - end up awake at about 1:00 a.m. and then toss and turn for the rest of the night. I was never a great sleeper but this is brutal. I suspect this is entirely hormone related. My OB told me that it is safe to take Benadryl which I'm trying to avoid but honestly I've been desperate enough to try it a few times. Maybe this is just getting us ready for the sleepless nights ahead?

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the response. I was wondering about Benadryl. I seem to be on about a 3 day sleep cycle--getting about 2-3 hours a night for 2 nights, then conking out on the 3rd.

Good luck to you. Sorry we're both in this boat.

[Anonymous]

I feel for you! Even for those of us who are not pregnant right now, this month has been a bad one for sound sleep.
Taking a warm foot bath before going to bed will help you relax and fall asleep easier. Saying a few prayers or just be grateful for a few minutes helps too.
As for waking up in the middle of the night, a good oriental doctor should be able to help you with that.
Be well,
Emily
www.amazing-birth.com

[Anonymous]

All I can say is, me too. This happens to me sometimes anyways if I'm stressed, but even more so now with pregnancy. And I also can fall asleep easily but then wake up around 1 or 2am and can't get back to sleep for hours. I know this is horomonal. My mom also has this and had it really badly during menopause! Something to look forward to, I guess.

Here's what I do:

Limit my caffeine to one cup of tea in the morning. That's it. Definitely nothing after noon.
If I can't fall back to sleep after 15-20 minutes, get out of bed and go read somewhere or go do something else non-strenuous for a while, then try again to sleep in a 1/2 hour
I've heard Tylenol PM is fine, but I just don't want to take it after midnight, because I think I'll wake up groggier.
After a few nights, I tend to be able to sleep one 8 hour stretch, so it does work out in the end.
I also wish I had more time to exercise, but I really don't have it!

Any other advice is appreciated. Mine did go away for the most part after the 1st baby was born, so I'm hoping for that again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I feel for you! Even for those of us who are not pregnant right now, this month has been a bad one for sound sleep.
Taking a warm foot bath before going to bed will help you relax and fall asleep easier. Saying a few prayers or just be grateful for a few minutes helps too.
As for waking up in the middle of the night, a good oriental doctor should be able to help you with that.
Be well,
Emily
www.amazing-birth.com

wow. did you really just say "oriental doctor". is this a joke? what does your sentence even mean?

[Anonymous]

Is Tylenol PM OK for pregnant women? I only take regular strength Tylenol (hard to find) and only if I really need it. How do I know what is considered safe during pregnancy?

[Anonymous]

relax--I am thinking she means Chinese Medicine--which, by the way is wonderful!!! Something I do for insomonia is tense all my musles and then slowly release every single muscle--usually by the second time around I am out.

[Anonymous]

My insomnia also started at 24 weeks. The insomnia is just really brutal. After a few weeks of very little sleep, I called my doctor and she recommended Tylenol PM. So I take that when I'm really not getting sleep. I've also started taking a hypnobirth class, so I put on the relaxation CD when I can't sleep and that also seems to help (even if I can't fall asleep at least I'm relaxed and meditating).

[Anonymous]

I understand the Benadryl has the same ingredient as the PM without the Tylenol so if you don't need the Tylenol part then you can just take Benadryl.