What’s more, new moms and pregnant women were more likely to suffer insomnia than any other group of women. The reason is simple; Pregnancy is uncomfortable. The discomforts that come with pregnancy don’t go away when you turn out the light.
How Important is Sleep During Pregnancy?
Getting a good night’s sleep is imperative for any adult; after all, deep sleep is when the body re-charges, rejuvenates, and re-calibrates many of its critical functions. Deep sleep is typically achieved under the conditions of a cool ambient temperature, sufficient darkness and quiet, an appropriate sleep surface, a good daytime and nighttime routine, proper diet, and balanced emotional and physical states.
We all know that sleep is crucial for all of us, but pregnancy leads to greater exhaustion for a variety of reasons including hormonal changes and emotional factors in additional to physical changes.
Pregnancy exacerbates a woman’s inability to achieve uninterrupted, restful sleep. While carrying a baby—more than any other time—a woman needs quality sleep both to recuperate lost energy and to contribute to a healthy, trouble-free pregnancy.
Women’s bodies change significantly throughout their pregnancies, making getting a good night of sleep very difficult. Having a mattress that can change as your body changes can help you get the sleep that is so needed during this critical time period.
Common Sleep Issues During Pregnancy
According to AmericanPregnancy.org, 50-70% of women experience back pain during pregnancy as a result of a variety of factors, most notably weight gain. Relaxin, a hormone released by the female body, allows ligaments and joints in the pelvis and spine to loosen as the body prepares for the birth process.
The resulting instability often causes back pain. Furthermore, the excess weight gained and postural changes caused by carrying the baby puts additional strain on the spine.
In addition to back pain, common complaints during pregnancy include heartburn and shortness of breath caused by the size and weight of the expanding uterus pressing on the mother’s internal organs.
Due to these physical changes, sleeping positions that were comfortable pre-pregnancy, will no longer be comfortable during pregnancy. And of course, each successive trimester introduces a new set of concerns. After all, while pregnant, you are “sleeping for two,” and the special conditions that come with that reality can indeed hinder a good night’s rest.
While carrying a baby a woman needs deep, restful sleep both to recuperate lost energy and to contribute to a healthy, trouble-free pregnancy.
Suffering From Poor Sleep During Your Pregnancy?
What Can You Do To Get Better Sleep During Your Pregnancy and Post-Pregnancy?
The most commonly recommended sleeping position for pregnant women is known as “SOS”, short for “sleep on side” and more specifically, the left side. Sleeping on the left side improves circulation to the heart, is most advantageous for proper blood flow to the baby and takes weight off the liver which can contribute to overnight discomfort.
This position is usually recommended after 16 to 18 weeks and has been linked to lower rates of complications during pregnancy and delivery.
If switching to your side is not sufficient to help your sleep quality, there are some other modifications you can try. If you continue to have back pain while on your side, consider placing a pillow under your belly to absorb some of the weight.
If you are experiencing heartburn, try propping your head up on more pillows to reduce your acid backwash. Special pregnancy pillows and mattresses may help you sleep better, aiding in the small adjustments necessary to get comfortable.
Naps during the day can also help contribute to the amount of sleep necessary during pregnancy. Another National Sleep Foundation poll found that 51% of pregnant or recently pregnant women reported at least one weekday nap; while 60% reported at least one weekend nap.
Experts agree that participating in physical exercise is imperative for stimulating the rhythms that help send one’s body into slumber. However, don’t think of pregnancy as a time to initiate a rigorous workout regimen: the point is to simply expend a moderate amount of energy on a regular basis so that the body will be inclined to replenish it via sleep. All exercise regimens should be discussed with a physician to ensure safety of both the mother and child.
What Is The Best Mattress For Pregnancy?
There is no doubt that the choice of mattress is critical to achieving good sleep; sadly, many seem unwilling to invest appropriately in this fundamental “equipment” needed to facilitate more consistent sleep patterns. It is critical to choose the proper type, size, and materials for a mattress to enable a good night’s sleep for the mother-to-be on a regular basis.
Pregnant women often wonder if is it better to have a firm or soft mattress for their pregnancy, but it is highly recommended to avoid a mattress that is too soft. The best mattress for pregnant women is one that helps provide additional support for your spine and hips to prevent sinking and causing back issues.
Custom Sleep Technology makes the only mattress that can be perfectly tailored to your individual body’s exact sleeping needs before and after pregnancy. Since all Custom Sleep Technology mattresses are custom made, we are able to create the perfect mattress for pregnant women. We understand what you need during this time and will ensure you a restful night sleep during your pregnancy.
The Custom Sleep Technology Color Comfort Sleep System™ line of mattresses has removable internal components to allow you to modify your mattress easily, as your body changes during and even after pregnancy. Custom Sleep Technology also makes pillows to match its mattresses and even makes special pregnancy pillows as well.
Custom Sleep Technology is the industry leader in custom mattress and pillow design. Our personalized sleep system creates a quality night sleep during and after your pregnancy.