Pregnancy

You’re up every few hours, wake up groggy and struggle to stay awake all day – and your baby hasn’t even been born yet. Maybe it is joint pain making it more difficult for you to find a comfortable position or perhaps it is hormonal changes that make you sleepier during the daytime hours or more restless at night, getting a good night’s sleep while you’re pregnant can be a challenge.
It is important for all women to prioritize sleep, but following are some strategies for pregnant moms that will help you get the rest you need now.
• After six months, it’s recommended to sleep on your side (the left side in particular). If this isn’t your regular sleep position, try a body pillow (an amazing body-length pillow that conforms to your shape) or using pillows between your knees and next to your belly. The more supported you are and the better you feel, the easier it will be to get some zzz’s.

• Limit liquids after 6 p.m. While hydration is very important throughout your pregnancy, if you drink a lot of water or other liquids at night, you will wake up more often, particularly during your third trimester.
• Create a comforting nighttime ritual. A warm bath can be very soothing, as can a foot rub from your partner, a few minutes of reading or some quiet time to write in a journal. When you go directly to bed from watching the evening news or checking your email or Facebook page, you can feel overstimulated and struggle with falling to sleep.
And, of course, you can always talk with your doctor about any sleeping (or waking) issues you’re having.