The term insomnia refers to an individual's inability to sleep soundly resulting in insufficient rest and fatigue. Depending on the severity of the sleep disorder, an inability to carry out daily activities efficiently may also be noticed. Insomnia manifests either in the form of an inability to fall asleep or an inability to stay asleep for a sufficient period of time. Insomnia during pregnancy is commonly observed due to the hormonal changes that the expectant mother experiences. In addition, the physical changes including an expanding waistline, back pain, cramps, breast tenderness and indigestion add to the reasons for sleepless nights.
Repeated visits to the toilet also hamper a good night's rest. Bad dreams, stress and anxiety are other factors that result in insomnia. Many women tend to worry about the wellbeing of their unborn baby and the success of their pregnancy.
Some are even known to fear labor and child birth. All these reasons could also result in an inability to sleep well.
Since medication is not recommended while pregnant, most expectant mothers opt for easy to follow steps. Regular exercise during the day keeps the body fit thus enabling it to function effectively. Meditation, listening to soft music or reading a good book are recommended for relaxation. Going to bed early and napping during the day are also helpful in ensuring that the expectant mother gets sufficient rest. A warm bath before bedtime should prove beneficial in promoting sleep. In addition, the use of a pregnancy pillow is beneficial as it provides the mother with comfort essential for good sleep.
In the case of chronic insomnia, people opt for acupuncture and acupressure as two methods of treatment. Acupuncture for insomnia in pregnancy is a technique based on Chinese medical practice. For acupuncture for insomnia in pregnancy, specific areas on the body are pierced with tiny needles for the purpose of healing. Acupressure for insomnia during pregnancy is another ancient method of healing used in the treatment of chronic insomnia. It is based on the principles of acupuncture and applying pressure on related points on the body commonly referred to as acupuncture points or pressure points. Using acupuncture for insomnia in pregnancy could be very risky and lead to undesired consequences if not performed properly. It is therefore advised that acupuncture for insomnia in pregnancy be performed by a trained professional and specialist only. Both these methods must be made use of only if advised by a gynecologist, in the case of chronic insomnia.
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