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Pregnancy Fatigue and Insomnia: You Are Getting Sleepy....
Wondering what's behind the overwhelming fatigue that can have you falling asleep at your desk at work or craving a two-hour nap after dinner? There are actually two forces conspiring against you: the pregnancy hormone progesterone (which acts as a natural sedative) and the increase in your body's metabolic rate that occurs during pregnancy -- your body's way of ensuring that it can meet the nutritional needs of your growing baby.
Since you're unlikely to win this round against Mother Nature, your best bet is simply to give in to your increased need for sleep: hit the sack a little earlier at night-time and try to squeeze in the odd day-time siesta, if your schedule will permit it.
Here's something else you need to know: the mind-numbing fatigue of the first trimester is generally a limited time offer. Most moms-to-be find that their energy level picks up during the second trimester. However, it dips again in the late third trimester when the physical discomforts of pregnancy and the need to get up frequently in the night to use the bathroom make it difficult to get a good night's sleep. By the time they're ready to give birth, 97% of moms-to-be report that they're having difficulty sleeping.
Sleep problems during pregnancy can also be a symptom of prenatal depression or anxiety, so if you're having a lot of difficulty sleeping or you're experiencing extreme fatigue, be sure to let your doctor or midwife know.
Will the Sandman Ever Come (PDF)
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Technorati Tags: pregnancy, fatigue, sleep problems
Since you're unlikely to win this round against Mother Nature, your best bet is simply to give in to your increased need for sleep: hit the sack a little earlier at night-time and try to squeeze in the odd day-time siesta, if your schedule will permit it.
Here's something else you need to know: the mind-numbing fatigue of the first trimester is generally a limited time offer. Most moms-to-be find that their energy level picks up during the second trimester. However, it dips again in the late third trimester when the physical discomforts of pregnancy and the need to get up frequently in the night to use the bathroom make it difficult to get a good night's sleep. By the time they're ready to give birth, 97% of moms-to-be report that they're having difficulty sleeping.
Sleep problems during pregnancy can also be a symptom of prenatal depression or anxiety, so if you're having a lot of difficulty sleeping or you're experiencing extreme fatigue, be sure to let your doctor or midwife know.
Will the Sandman Ever Come (PDF)
Related Topics:
Technorati Tags: pregnancy, fatigue, sleep problems
Labels: depression, fatigue, pregnancy, sleep
