sleep help

caffeinenut · August 2016

Hi, I'm hoping some of you moms and expecting moms will have some more advice for me. I am beginning to have some trouble sleeping. I can't seem to get comfortable, and my back and hips hurt a lot. I have read that special pregnancy pillows help, but they are so expensive and I don't want to spend the money if there is a cheaper option that works just as well. Does anyone out there have a solution or an option they recommend I try?

ajstevenson · August 2016

@caffeinenut I think some moms just invested in a body pillow, which are much more reasonably priced. I've struggled with insomnia for a long time and here are some things that I do to help me relax before bed.

No TV/phone/electronic device 30 minutes before bed. I'll read or meditate or snuggle with SO
Lavender essential oil. I have it in spray form that I spritz on my pillow before crawling into bed. Occasionally I'll put 1-2 drops of the oil on a cotton ball and dab it on my wrists or chest if I'm feeling very overwhelmed or overstimulated
Dim/turn off lights
Gentle stretching
Warm (not too hot) bath or shower

Lisa3379 · August 2016

@caffeinenut I had to laugh when I saw your post, because seeing "sleep help" as a topic from someone called "caffeinenut" is hilarious. I'm sure you're not guzzling caffeine before trying to sleep, that's just the image I got in my head.

Anyway, if you don't want to buy the expensive pregnancy pillow, maybe try using multiple pillows arranged all around. I also really like taking a hot shower before bed, that helps me get comfortable.

yellingbanana · August 2016

So I would love to get a pregnancy pillow, but can't bring myself to spend the money on it. However, I bought a $10 body pillow (just an extra long, fuzzy pillow) at Costco. I use it on my front side to help support my belly, and I sleep with my legs curled up, body pillow in between my legs. Sometimes I put it against my back to make it feel like I'm sleeping on my back, again, with it tucked between my legs. I'm planning on stealing DHs body pillow and was thinking of sewing them together at the corners to make a homemade pregnancy pillow. Which is saying lot, because I don't sew, I hate sewing, and I'm not that great at sewing.

Also, sometimes I take a benedryl before I go to bed. I have crazy allergies anyway, and it helps with sleep and allergies!

dmontgo · August 2016

I've been fortunate that I can get to sleep, but I have a ritual:

Take a warm bath
Listen to Relaxation Radio on Pandora
Take a Unisom
Deep breathing exercises

I don't get to do this every night, but I would at minimum try Unisom. I usually get good sleep, although there are days when I wake up sore or restless. Overall, I can't complain. I hope you find a solution soon!

kbduke · August 2016

I have a snoogle that worked at first but now it's too hot/bulky and I throw it out of bed every night. To me unless I'm sleeping by myself it's too much.

Also my doctor suggested Benadryl, unisom, and melatonin (not at one time obviously). None of them worked for me but might be helpful for you.

mysteryship · August 2016

Sometimes I feel more comfortable sleeping on our couch, because I can just rest my back against it and feel a bit better sleeping on my side. I also do crossword puzzles right before bed which for some reason make me wonderfully sleepy.

Gizmo1231 · August 2016

@ajstevenson have you been told to avoid lavender oil in third tri? I diffuse it to sleep as well but my YL oil gal so to avoid in 3rd trimester because it can induce contractions.

ajstevenson · August 2016

@Gizmo1231 both my OB and the midwife I saw at the hospital made the recommendation. Neither one made mention of stopping it's use in the 3rd tri. I'll ask at my next appt!

Gizmo1231 · August 2016

I would love to continue using if it's safe! Definitely helps me sleep

Thanks

brittnic86 · August 2016

I have a pillow, but lately have had trouble sleeping ugh. Also, my MIL got the pillow for me from walmart for less than $40.

Toller · August 2016

Gizmo1231 said:

@ajstevenson have you been told to avoid lavender oil in third tri? I diffuse it to sleep as well but my YL oil gal so to avoid in 3rd trimester because it can induce contractions.

I hadn't heard/read this (I'm VERY conservative with my oils) but in a double check, I did find this from Tisserand's website: https://roberttisserand.com/2011/07/lavender-oil-and-pregnancy/ he doesn't seem to think there is an issue (obviously still checking with someone knowledgeable is a good idea).

Of course, everything in moderation

ajstevenson · August 2016

Good article @toller02! I've taken a few aromatherapy and herbology classes and haven't heard of lavender as being one to avoid during pregnancy. However, the article you're referring to is the first time I've heard it as one to potentially avoid in the first tri. I believe you're right, everything in moderation!

princesslockness · August 2016

I have a big U shaped pregnancy pillow. It was like $35-40 on eBay. I love it! I can spoon and have it spoon me. It is long enough to have between my legs. Also, the top bend is thick enough that I can put it under my knees and use one of those 'chair' pillows and sleep reclined. I also recommend Unisom or melatonin. Just becareful with the melatonin, too much can mess up you regular levels for a while.

yellingbanana · August 2016

mysteryship said:

Sometimes I feel more comfortable sleeping on our couch, because I can just rest my back against it and feel a bit better sleeping on my side. I also do crossword puzzles right before bed which for some reason make me wonderfully sleepy.

Nice! I will be sleeping on the couch soon, it does feel so good against my back!

Toller · August 2016

ajstevenson said:

Good article @toller02! I've taken a few aromatherapy and herbology classes and haven't heard of lavender as being one to avoid during pregnancy. However, the article you're referring to is the first time I've heard it as one to potentially avoid in the first tri. I believe you're right, everything in moderation!

Im in an essential oil safety group on FB (super super conservative) which they promote not using any oils in first tri if at all possible (I did end up using lavender and chamomile though-I didnt read that until I was well into 2nd tri- but all is well!).

caffeinenut · August 2016

Thanks for all the info. I might try a body pillow. Unfortunately, I can't take Benadryl and Unisom because I have the opposite reaction to what they are supposed to do. I end up awake for hours, sometimes days, with just one dose. So those are out. I will as my doctor about melatonin.

princesslockness · August 2016

@caffeinenut I am usually the same way, because of my ADHD. I am able to self regulate, usually, with caffeinated pop. Unisom still works for me, I just take 2.

Mamax2 · August 2016

I sleep on our couch because it is more comfortable than our bed is right now. Also, I had a boppy left from DD that I use to put between my thighs/knees to help keep my hips and legs aligned.

maamawaabangi · August 2016

Relaxation Yoga before bed. Helps so much with hip pain!
Also I take valarian if I really can't sleep, but I'd check that with your care provider.

BabyRobbinsAdventure · August 2016

I second those who say stretching or yoga. I've noticed that when I don't stretch for a few nights before bed I have terrible hip pain. Positioning a pillow between my legs and a pillow to support my belly has also helped.

Lexibizzel · August 2016

Wearing an eye mask and playing rain sounds has helped immensely. I've used both a body pillow and an expensive pregnancy pillow. I actually prefer the body pillow.

Good luck!

momintraining82 · September 2016

I snatch my husband's pillow (which is big and firm) every evening and place it between my knees, or just pull one knee up while the other leg is straight. Couldn't go without it! I guess my husband has no choice ...

Want a personalized experience?

sleep help

Re: sleep help

Choose Another Board

Search Boards