I'm 27 weeks and I need some tips on how to get a good nights sleep?

Question

The past few nights, I haven't slept at all. The night before last, I maybe slept a combined 2 hours throughout the entire night, and last night, i never even fell asleep. I know having trouble sleeping during pregnancy is normal, esp the farther along you are. I've checked out ideas in books, and some seem like they would work, but I wondering if anyone could give me some tips of their own that have helped them? It's not the baby kicking, leg cramps, or anything like that that is keeping me awake. I just can't fall asleep at night. I really appreciate any advice i can get. Thanks!

this is actually another question instead of details.

I've read in books and uch that you really shouldn't take baths and such to relax. i dont know how true that is, but it make sense considering it alters your body temperature if you soak in a hot bath before bed. does it really matter, or is it safe?

Answer 1

EVERYONE thinks I am crazy when I say this but keep an open mind I was miserable I couldn't sleep at all at night.
Buy a nursing pillow like a boppy if you haven't gotten one already *your gonna need it with the baby anyway* and place your lower back in the middle and lay on either side. I know it sounds wierd but it supports your back and belly no matter which way you flip.. as for the leg cramps you may want to talk to your doctor. RLS is really common during pregnancy..
good luck

Answer 2

I've had 4 kids, and another is on the way due in March. I can sympathize with you! Your mind is racing, you've got things to do and limited energy, and you can't wait to meet your new baby! How exciting this time must be for you!

I've had some uncomfortable experiences with pregnancy, from horrible carpel tunnel syndrome in my wrists to those awful leg cramps that basically bite you in your sleep to the ever-present aching back. But it's the sleeplessness that really gets to you. You know you need to sleep but you just can't shut off the thinker! It's bad enough when you wake up at night because of the pressure on your bladder.

I found lying on my side with a pillow behind me (my husband works well here too) and a pillow to hang my arm over in front to sort of make me a cocoon. I find this relaxes me. I also found that drinking a cup of chamomile tea in the evening helps to calm me (it's safe to use during pregnancy), as does rubbing lavender/chamomile lotion into my hands, arms, legs, tummy, wherever, to give that relaxing scent. Turning the lights down low in the evening, not watch too much TV (especially action or scary films, or even most news programs) and playing classical music also worked for me to get me in the mood for sleeping. I'd try to allow an extra hour or so to just unwind. A good bath with candles in the room would help, as would a calming back rub using the above-mentioned lotion. In the bath I use baby chamomile and lavender bubbles--it doesn't dry the skin. I'd try not to eat anything too gassy or spicy and I'd avoid all caffeine after about noon, or eliminate it altogether (I'm a fine one to talk about this!).

It's easy for the books to tell you that you need rest. Getting there is half the battle! Give yourself a break and try to rest your eyes, even during the day. You're going to need your rest before the baby comes, but even just relaxing during the day may recharge your batteries.

Good luck and try not to worry about it.

Answer 3

Try putting yourself on a sleep schedule. First take a short walk, then take a warm bath or shower, use a aromatherapy relaxation lotion, something warm to drink. keep things quiet and calm. I know this one is going to sound weird but try sleeping sitting up. It is about the only way I can sleep later in my pregnancy.

Answer 4

have you tried to have a nice warm relaxing bath before bed maybe even use a little bit of lavander oil just to wind your body down and to let your unborn baby know its time to start relaxing and winding down. the baby feels how you feel if you feel anxious then the baby will etc. put your feet up and try to relax being pregnant. hope you get some sleep soon honey good luck xx

Answer 5

Go on a walk until you are actually physically tired from early evening or late afternoon so there are still quite a few hours left before your bedtime. Keep yourself busy. Honestly praying myself to sleep helps a lot.. I fall asleep praying for my unborn babies!

Answer 6

Try buying some lavendar spray for your pillow. They sell a great one at bath and body works. Have you tried sleeping with pillows under your legs for support? Hang in there sweetie

Answer 7

I've had 2 kids and the only thing that helped me was to sleep on my side with a pillow between my knees and on the couch so my back had support.

Answer 8

I feel for you. It's hard to relax when you are thinking of all that is to come. I had a hard time getting to sleep and still do after my sons birth. The only thing that seems to work for me is to try to block everything out of your mind and listen to your self breath. Sounds crazy. But it works for me.

Answer 9

Hi! i feel you in that i am the same way try not to sleep in the day time that will help alot try drinking something hot before going to sleep i hope it help good luck

Answer 10

try pillows body length and the really soft fluffy kind lots of them. I have two body pillows one for each side, one small pillow to put between my legs, a fleece medium pillow for my head, and then one small stuffed plush animal i cuddle with. Hope this helps