Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Flip

Original poster

Horrendous insomnia

15 replies

Jolleigh · 13/08/2013 02:39

I used to suffer from Insomnia really badly for many years. I then discovered the soporific qualities of David Attenborough's voice...

Since becoming pregnant, even David isn't doing it for me

I'm only 9 weeks so it's not a comfort thing.

Has anyone else suffered like this? Does anyone have any tips? I'm smegging knackered

OP posts:

NatashaBee · 13/08/2013 03:02

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster

Jolleigh · 13/08/2013 03:36

14 weeks is still 5 weeks away...I'll be dead by then.

Joking aside, I should be ok providing I get a few hours before Wednesday. ..I've had a couple of days off work but I'm back in then.

OP posts:

Carole803 · 13/08/2013 04:47

I have insomnia. Some nights aren't as bad as others. Tonight, I got a whole four hours sleep! But sunday, just2.5 :(

I am trying all sorts, but once I am awake, that is it!

We are having a new, comfy sofa being delivered this week or next, so hopefully I will join you on watchimg TV in stupid oclock AMs

Btw, I am 20+5 weeks and insomnia took over from exhaustion at about 15/16 weeks.

Sorry no tips, that work, but a problem shared...

fruitpastille · 13/08/2013 05:54

Interesting! I am nowhere near so bad but getting fed up with waking in the early hours and unable to get back off.

vix206 · 13/08/2013 07:28

I had this for a few weeks at your stage but it soon went away. Fingers crossed! It's hormonal I think, not much you can do about it.

Original poster

Jolleigh · 13/08/2013 13:57

Looks like I'll have a few weeks of late night box set binges

Such a pain! Good to know it's not just me though.

OP posts:

NoisyBrain · 13/08/2013 14:51

Like you OP I had insomnia before I got pg. I had problems both getting to sleep and staying asleep. At its worst I'd sometimes have to get through a day's work in a busy, stressful job after an hour's sleep. It sucks doesn't it?

In my first trimester I slept better than I had for years (sheer exhaustion!) then struggled a little during my second. I'm 36+4 now and better than I was, but I'm waking up at around 4am every night needing to pee, then struggling to get back to sleep for an hour or so.

I find a change of bed often helps. So, if I've been awake for an hour (whether that's after going to bed or having woken up in the night) I take myself off to the spare room. I also have some success with a deep breathing exercise, where you breathe in for 4 seconds, pause and breathe out for 4, pause, and repeat for however long it takes. i think the point is it focuses your mind on something other than the fact you're awake!

Finally, I've read that a magnesium deficiency can supposedly contribute to insomnia. With this deficiency the brain is more likely to be 'noisy' when you are trying to sleep. This is something I have frequently struggled with and still do at times, hence my username! I never scientifically investigated my magnesium levels but did try snacking on pumpkin seeds, which are a good source apparently. I've no idea how long it's supposed to take for them to have an effect - I got bored of them after a few days!

HTH x

Queazy · 13/08/2013 18:03

I'd never had insomnia before but it kicked in about 6wks and still have it at 38wks. Some nights I get about 2hrs, others I'll get 5-6hrs, but it's always broken sleep. I literally dream of having a decent nights sleep. Lots of people say theirs goes after 1st trimester and so I think it's unusual for it to last so long. Hope you find this is the case for you xx

Original poster

Jolleigh · 13/08/2013 20:24

hopefully not! Being very used to insomnia, I function very well on very little sleep but I still wouldn't like to go all through pregnancy like this.

I just managed to get an hour's sleep on the couch Really am disproportionately happy about that lol

OP posts:

Original poster

Jolleigh · 13/08/2013 20:26

NoisyBrain - thanks for the tips...I will try them. Am I allowed much magnesium in pregnancy?

OP posts:

NoisyBrain · 13/08/2013 20:36

No worries
Probably worth checking with your midwife re magnesium. I figured that pumpkin seeds would be OK as I've never seen them on the foods to limit/avoid in pregnancy list.

Original poster

Jolleigh · 13/08/2013 20:57

I'll probably look it up as I don't have my midwife appointment for a couple of weeks. Still, the breathing technique may help

OP posts:

sleepsite · 23/10/2013 01:48

There are several methods of treatment for this sleep disorder. Behavioral treatments include meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, visualization, biofeedback, sleep hygiene, cognitive behavioral therapy and reconditioning sleep restriction. These methods are often very successful.
Some sufferers of this sleep disorder choose holistic, or alternative, treatment. This method involves the use of herbal supplements which are not usually approved. Others seek acupuncture as a way to relieve their insomnia. Passive body heating, which is the use of hot baths, is another method used.

Iheartcrunchiebars · 23/10/2013 02:41

I have long term insomnia. Got very bad during first 12 weeks and I got very panicky that I could no longer take sleeping tablets...then had 5 months of blissful sleep! It was fab, 8 hours every night! Then insomnia back for the last month.

Good luck. I hope it doesn't last.

sleepsite · 03/11/2013 15:26

I use brain wave technology to help with sleep problems. It rewires your brain to help with stress and insomnia.

Flip