Now, that I am pregnant again, getting a good night’s sleep (without medicine) seems like an impossible feat. I don’t know about you, but sleep deprivation is like torture to me. I am miserable and so unproductive when I don’t get enough sleep. I also find anxiety and morning sickness is heightened without proper rest. Plus, I end up getting infections or catching colds much easier when my body is weak.
Benadryl is the only sleep-inducing medicine to be deemed safe during pregnancy, but even that is not helping and I hate to be taking it so often just to catch some zzzz’s. What I needed to figure out is how to get some extra melatonin (body’s natural sleep hormone) without popping a pill!
So, Ive been doing a lot of research on not-only natural methods, but methods that are safe for pregnancy. Rachael Ray had a great episode with Board-certified sleep specialist Dr. Michael Breus, that highlighted some easy and convenient ways to get some more zzzz’s.
– See more at: http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/tips/18788_5_ways_to_get_a_better_night_sleep/#sthash.i8KqUy2T.dpuf
I tried these – read my latest blog to see what worked!!!
I’ve also noticed, that the following have helped me to sleep:
– Wearing blue light blocking sunglasses if I have to use the computer, phone or watch tv close to bedtime. Studies show that blue light keeps you awake.
– Read a book or listen to an audio book. Something that I know well and is calming. My go-to are Jane Austin novels.
– Eat turkey or protein before bedtime.
– I also try to do some deep belly breathing, which is a natural calming mechanism.
– Sleep with a body pillow between my legs
– Listen to white noise (I have a fan and an app on my phone). You can also use this site from any computer with internet https://mynoise.net/noiseMachines.php.
– Listen to meditation. I like Michael Sealey on YouTube. His Australian accent is so relaxing and he has a mediation mix for pretty much any problem you are having: from motivation, to anxiety, to confidence. https://www.youtube.com/user/MichaelSealey
– Exercising during the day helps my body to want to rest at night. I know this is tough to do especially when you are tired, but just try to fit in at least 15 minutes. My preference for “Lazy Exercise” is the stationary bike or elliptical where I can also get some work done. So it’s easier to fit in that workout.
Let us hear what has helped you to get some sleep!
Plants Power Purpose 