Pregnancy insomnia

[June1993]

Has anyone else struggled with middle insomnia whilst pregnant and a full time job, and what did you do? I was signed off for three weeks going back next week first two weeks slept great now I’m gearing up to go back insomnia again. Really don’t know how to manage work with it given I’ve already had 3 weeks off. I’m 17 weeks pregnant, sleeping aids don’t work as I have no problem falling asleep I wake up at around 3 sometimes 2 and can’t get back to sleep. It isn’t heartburn or needing a wee or anything I think it is physiological knowing I have to get up for work and can’t sleep keeping me in a cycle of not being able to sleep

Can you take a sleep aid right as you're falling asleep or when you wake up in the night? It's what I did

I used to redo the bedtime routine to help with this. So get up, use the toilet, brush teeth etc all over again and get into bed as though it's the start of the night again.

The doctor told me I couldn’t take anything other than anti sickness tablets which would hopefully make me drowsy to sleep but they don’t. Ahh that’s a great idea about starting the night again I will try that thank you!

Sorry you're experiencing this. I had it so bad in my last pregnancy. I sort of just leaned into it in the end and didn't stress that I was awake. I would read my kindle or watch TV until i felt myself drifting back off. I liked to think that it was my bodies way of preparing me for having a newborn and sleepless nights.
Hope it gets better for you

I often wake up in the middle of the night especially when I go to bed earlier than 11pm and if I have done a hard exercise class. I find podcasts helpful but only ones with super soft voices, on low so that I am
half listening but not really concentrating but it takes away complete silence so I avoid thinking and worrying about what time it is and how many hours until alarm goes off. I’ve been quite good at drifting off within 20-30 mins

I'm in the third trimester now and been awake through the night since 34 weeks too but I still find getting up for a little wander helpful and also not using my phone as that makes it really hard to switch back off. I remember my previous pregnancy I would also just get up for a few hours say 4-6 and then go back to bed, obviously not ideal but if you aren't at work the next day could be an option.

Also agree with it the PP who says our bodies almost are preparing us for newborn nights as sleeping whilst pregnant is quite the challenge!

I’m so sorry. I am 23 weeks now and started getting horrendous insomnia at 17 weeks. Obstetrician was useless and said it was anxiety that all pregnant women get?! To me it felt more like the PMS insomnia I used to get where I would wake up alert for the day and very hot around 3am.

I actually caved and took melatonin (not advised here but the US is more relaxed). Complete lifesaver and I’m now waking up at 6/7 rather than bolt alert for the day at 3am. I’ve also stopped drinking fluids later (even if that means going to bed slightly thirsty) and drinking more fluids before 8pm. Acupuncture also if that’s available to you xx

DD is 18 now but I had horrendous insomnia. Luckily I had loads of holiday so was able to go on maternity leave early.
I don’t have any tips, I’m glad I was off as I would not sleep for several night and then pass out completely at some point for a few hours. And repeat. It did get better towards the end.

I'm exactly the same, 35 weeks and wake up around 3am and can be awake for 2-3 hours, and then drift off just in time for alarm/toddler to wake me up. Weirdly I don't actually feel too tired in the day. I've tried to go to bed earlier so I get a bit more sleep. I try to resist looking at my phone - sometimes I put it in another room to help with that. Sometimes I'll read my book for a while, or just try to lie there still with my eyes closed and rest, even if not asleep.

I think also it can be hunger related - your blood sugars drop around that time in the morning. I keep a stash of dried apricots next to my bed and have 4 or 5, and that can help. I don't necessarily feel hungry and I'm not usually a middle of the night snacker!!