Evie Summers
Sleep medicines are generally advised against during pregnancy, but there are some natural remedies and over-the-counter medications that may be safer than others. However, due to limited research on the effects of herbal remedies on pregnant people and their fetuses, experts recommend addressing sleep difficulties without medication or supplements. Natural sleep aids such as the kava plant and the amino acid L-tryptophan, for example, have been linked to liver damage and a rare white blood cell disorder, respectively. Nevertheless, some herbal remedies like ginseng, honey, nutmeg, and melatonin may be considered, but it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before use.
Can I take herbal sleeping pills when pregnant?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | There is a lack of research on the safety of herbal remedies during pregnancy, so it is generally advised to avoid them. |
| Alternative Options | Lifestyle adjustments, magnesium supplements, melatonin (in small doses), Unisom, hydroxyzine, and gabapentin are recommended by some doctors and users. |
| Side Effects | Some herbal remedies have been linked to negative side effects in the general population, such as liver damage and rare blood disorders. |
| Risks | Sleep deprivation during pregnancy can have negative consequences, and insomnia becomes more common in the third trimester. |
| Professional Guidance | It is essential to consult a healthcare provider before taking any sleep aids or supplements during pregnancy. |
| Regulation | Dietary supplements and herbal remedies are not strictly regulated, so labels may be misleading, and side effects may be unknown. |
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What You'll Learn
Herbal remedies lack safety data
Sleep deprivation during pregnancy can have negative consequences, and insomnia is common during this time. However, there is limited research on the safety of sleep aids for pregnant people and their fetuses, and experts advise against the use of sleep medicines during pregnancy.
Herbal remedies and dietary supplements are not regulated as strictly as medication by the FDA, so the labels may be misleading, and there may be unknown side effects. There is a lack of extensive research on herbal remedies and pregnancy, and most herbal remedies have not been studied in terms of safety during pregnancy. As such, it is recommended that pregnant people avoid certain herbal teas and essential oils due to the lack of safety data.
Pregnant people should also avoid products with a record of problematic side effects. For example, the kava plant is associated with liver damage, and the amino acid L-tryptophan has been linked to a rare white blood cell disorder.
Pregnant people should always consult a healthcare provider before taking any medication, including over-the-counter or prescription sleep aids, and herbal remedies. Some doctors may recommend lifestyle adjustments or supplements, such as magnesium, before resorting to medications. Melatonin is another option that some doctors consider safe and effective for pregnant patients with insomnia.
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Melatonin may be safe
Sleep problems are very common during pregnancy, with insomnia affecting one in four women in the first trimester and over two-thirds by the end of the third trimester. However, the majority of healthcare providers do not recommend taking any sleep aids during pregnancy due to the limited research on their safety for pregnant people and fetuses.
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that promotes sleep. It is one of the few sleep aids that may be safe for pregnant women to take, according to some experts. Melatonin supplements are available over the counter and are not regulated as strictly as medication by the FDA. While there is limited research on the use of melatonin during pregnancy, studies have concluded that it is probably safe to take. Dr. Marchand, for example, states that "Over the last 10 years, I have found melatonin to be effective and safe, so that is something I recommend to all pregnant women who suffer from insomnia."
Pregnant women who take melatonin have reported that small doses are effective in treating their insomnia. One woman stated that her doctor told her that small doses of melatonin are the only thing she can take for her anxiety-induced insomnia. However, it is important to note that dietary supplements and herbal remedies may have unknown side effects, and it is always best to talk to a doctor before trying these products.
Natural remedies and addressing underlying pregnancy discomforts can also aid sleep without the need for pharmaceuticals. Lifestyle adjustments, such as sleeping on your left side, keeping the bedroom dark and quiet, establishing a regular bedtime routine, and eating and drinking mindfully, can help improve sleep quality during pregnancy.
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Lifestyle adjustments first
Sleep issues are very common during pregnancy, with many people experiencing insomnia and other sleep disturbances. While herbal sleeping pills may seem like a good solution, there is limited research on their safety for pregnant people and fetuses, so experts generally advise against taking them. Instead, it is recommended that pregnant people first try lifestyle adjustments to improve their sleep.
Lifestyle adjustments:
- Sleep position: Sleeping on your left side can enhance blood flow and prevent the uterus from placing too much weight on the liver. Using a pressure-relieving mattress topper and placing pillows under the body can also help with comfort.
- Bedroom environment: Keep the bedroom dark and quiet, using a dim nightlight for nighttime trips to the bathroom.
- Consistent routine: Maintain a regular sleep and wake schedule and establish a relaxing bedtime routine to signal to your body that it's time to sleep.
- Eating and drinking: Avoid heavy meals and excessive fluids close to bedtime. Also, refrain from caffeine later in the day, and if nausea is an issue, a light, bland snack may help.
- Magnesium supplements: Some people have found that taking magnesium supplements at night can aid sleep.
These lifestyle adjustments can help improve sleep quality during pregnancy without the need for herbal sleeping pills or other sleep aids. However, if sleep issues persist, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss safe options for managing insomnia during pregnancy.
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Consult a healthcare provider
Sleep medicines are generally advised against during pregnancy, but there are alternative treatments available. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any medication, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, during pregnancy. This is because any medication taken during pregnancy can pass to the fetus, and the effects on the unborn baby are largely unknown.
Pregnant women are advised to try lifestyle adjustments and natural remedies first. This could include establishing a regular bedtime routine, sleeping on your left side, keeping the bedroom dark and quiet, and eating and drinking mindfully. Natural remedies such as melatonin, valerian, ginseng, honey, nutmeg, and magnesium supplements may also help. However, it is important to note that some herbal remedies, such as chamomile tea, have not been sufficiently studied in the context of pregnancy, and may have unknown side effects.
If natural remedies and lifestyle adjustments do not help, it is important to consult a healthcare provider about safe sleep aids for occasional use. While some medications are considered safer than others during pregnancy, healthcare providers may opt not to recommend any sleep aids at all due to limited research on their safety for pregnant people and fetuses. However, as sleep deprivation during pregnancy can have negative consequences, some pregnant people and their doctors may decide that the benefits of certain sleep aids outweigh the risks.
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Natural sleep aids may be harmful
Sleep disturbances are common during pregnancy, with insomnia affecting one in four women in the first trimester and over two-thirds by the end of the third trimester. While natural sleep aids may be tempting to try, they may be harmful, and experts advise against their use due to limited research on their safety for pregnant people and fetuses.
Natural sleep aids, including herbs, amino acids, and minerals, have not been extensively studied in the context of pregnancy, leaving uncertainty about their potential effects on the developing fetus. Some natural products, such as the kava plant and the amino acid L-tryptophan, have been associated with liver damage and a rare white blood cell disorder, respectively. As a result, pregnant individuals are advised to avoid these products and exercise caution with herbal teas marketed as sleep aids, such as chamomile.
Additionally, dietary supplements and herbal remedies are not strictly regulated by the FDA, and their labels may be misleading. The lack of regulation also means there may be unknown side effects or inconsistencies in the doses and ingredients listed on the labels. For example, a 2017 study found that melatonin supplements, which are commonly used to aid sleep, often contain significantly different amounts of melatonin than stated on their labels.
While sleep deprivation during pregnancy can have negative consequences, it is generally recommended that pregnant individuals address sleep difficulties without medication or supplements. Lifestyle adjustments, such as establishing a regular bedtime routine, avoiding heavy meals and caffeine before bed, and sleeping on the left side to enhance blood flow, are often suggested as initial approaches. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-i) is another medication-free option that aims to improve sleep by changing mental and behavioral habits.
If non-pharmacological measures are ineffective, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before considering any sleep aids, including over-the-counter or prescription medications. Some doctors may recommend specific sleep aids for occasional use during pregnancy, weighing the benefits against the risks. However, it is essential to remember that the full effect of sleeping pills on babies in the womb is not yet fully understood.
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Frequently asked questions
There is limited research on the safety of herbal sleeping pills for pregnant women and their fetuses. While some doctors recommend against taking any sleep aids during pregnancy, others suggest specific sleep aids for occasional use. It is important to consult your doctor about which sleeping pills are safe during pregnancy and which ones to avoid.
Yes, there are natural alternatives to herbal sleeping pills that are considered safe for pregnant women. These include melatonin, magnesium supplements, and lifestyle adjustments such as sleeping on your left side, maintaining a regular bedtime routine, and avoiding caffeine later in the day.
Some herbal teas are marketed as sleep aids, but it is recommended that pregnant women avoid them due to a lack of safety data. One study found that ingesting chamomile during pregnancy may be unsafe.
Yes, some over-the-counter medications may help with sleep during pregnancy. These include antihistamines such as Benadryl, Unisom, and Tylenol PM. However, it is important to consult your doctor before taking any medications during pregnancy, as they can interfere with other medications or make health conditions worse.
