Is it common to have difficulty in sleeping at night (insomnia) during pregnancy? Yes, unfortunately it is relatively common to have insomnia during pregnancy. This could be due to a lot of reasons.

• It is uncomfortable. This may due to your growing belly which may cause back pain. Getting into and finding the right sleeping position may be tricky.
• Minor pregnancy symptoms such as heart burn, breathlessness, dizziness while lying down flat on your back, leg cramps and urinary frequency may also disturb your sleep at night.
• Having frequent vivid dreams. During pregnancy, due to a lot of changes physically and mentally could lead to pregnant women having a lot of underlying emotional stresses, sometimes without them realizing it.
• Changes during pregnancy, may lead to snoring at night in pregnant women. Even though they slept a long time, but when they wake up they still feel tired and of course their partner may be complaining from their lack of sleep too!
• A symptom of depression in some women. Insomnia, lack of appetite, unable to concentrate, depressive mood and lack of interest in the activities they normally enjoy may be a sign of depression. Talk to your doctor about it.

How can I get a good night sleep?

• Try to find out what is causing you to have difficulty in sleeping at night!
• Relax and unwind before going to bed such as reading a book, listening to relaxing music, meditate, breathing exercises or drink some warm milk.
• Confront any personal issues at hand be it at work or home. Try to resolve it as much as possible.
• You could keep a dreams diary if you find your keep having vivid dreams at night. Perhaps by analyzing your dreams and the recurrent theme you may find out what is actually bothering you.
• Exercise regularly during the day to keep fit and happy.
• Find a comfortable sleeping position.
• Make sure the temperature in your room is not too humid or cold.
• Speak to your doctor to resolve any minor pregnancy symptoms that may be causing you to have insomnia such as heartburn, feeling breathlessness, leg cramps or urinary frequency.

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