Pregnancy planning and then actually getting to take a home pregnancy kit to see if you’re pregnant or not is the best phase for a couple. Three trimesters later, a new journey begins, and that journey is different for every mother. There are a lot of things a pregnant woman goes through, insomnia being one of them.
Pregnant women typically have insomnia, particularly in the third trimester. According to some studies, approximately 75 percent of pregnant women report having symptoms of insomnia. These signs include difficulties getting to sleep, difficulty staying asleep, and nighttime wakefulness. Unfortunately, these sleep difficulties frequently persist after the mother has given birth, and some people sleep even less than they do when pregnant during the first several weeks after giving birth.
Changes to the mother's sleep schedule can also cause postpartum sleep problems. After delivery, the first six weeks can be difficult. According to studies, the typical new mother gets about six hours of sleep every night during this time.
Insomnia following delivery can occur for several reasons. One has to do with hormonal changes that follow childbirth. Your progesterone and estrogen levels plummet after giving birth. Circadian rhythms, your body's normal sleep-wake cycle, are influenced by these chemicals. You might feel more tired during the day and more alert at night if your circadian rhythms are off.
Postpartum insomnia can also be brought on by the general stress of having a baby, especially if other causes are involved. Stress can come from caring for a newborn and assuming motherly responsibilities; financial limitations caused by being unable to work outside the home; and the cost of caring for a newborn, among other things.
Postpartum Insomnia Treatment
Before seeking medical help, there are many lifestyle modifications you can make to get rid of postpartum insomnia. These should be taken into account for your health, even though some may be challenging to implement while caring for a newborn.
Sleep when the baby does
This tip has been tried and true, and it also works for insomnia. Sleep as much as you can, wherever you can. Even though it may be challenging, make sure you set yourself up for success by creating the correct conditions. Look for a quiet, dark place to cuddle up for a quick nap.
If you've had trouble relaxing your brain, cognitive-behavioral therapy of any kind or meditation may help. Sleeplessness may be treated by using relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Follow a schedule
Getting to bed at the same time every night might help your body maintain some sort of sleep routine, even if your infant gets up at unpredictable times. However, this is easier said than done when you have a baby. Giving yourself a comfortable sleeping environment and maintaining a consistent sleep pattern each night are examples of good sleep hygiene that can help with insomnia.
Cut back on the caffeine
You might be tempted to have a large cup of coffee to keep you going throughout the day, but doing so would simply make the situation worse. Skipping energizing beverages post lunch is also advised. These alcoholic beverages build up wakefulness in your body and can worsen insomnia.
If not treated, postpartum insomnia may become quite problematic. It's normal to feel exhausted after having a new baby, but having severe insomnia that prevents you from functioning might be risky. Try making lifestyle adjustments to see if they improve your sleep, and if not, talk to your healthcare professional to come up with a solution.
So, if you are looking forward to your pregnancy journey, begin it with Pregakem’s best home pregnancy test kit. You can also follow Pregakem on Instagram to stay updated: https://www.instagram.com/pregakem/